In “The Oyster and the Pearl,” a play from English Book III Notes for 1st-year students, we are transported to Harry Van Dusen’s eclectic barber shop in the quaint town of O.K.-by-the-Sea, California. The scene is set with vivid descriptions of the shop’s unique character, including its cluttered interior adorned with an assortment of curiosities like seashells, driftwood, and even a life jacket, all washed up by the nearby sea.
Harry Van Dusen, the unconventional barber himself, stands out with his habit of wearing various hats that seem to reflect the diversity of his soul. As the play begins, a young boy named Clay Larrabee is giving Harry a haircut, despite his lack of barbering experience.
The dialogue between them hints at the play’s deeper themes, as they discuss the potential for creativity and merriment in life, with Harry suggesting that Clay may hold the key to bringing joy to the weary hearts of the world through art, philosophy, or invention. The play’s opening scene sets the stage for an exploration of life’s richness and possibilities through the interactions between these two intriguing characters.