1819: Outside the Gates
Mrs. Emerson: Oh son, I’ve missed you so! Have you decided? Law or Pre-Med?
Ralph Waldo: Mother, I’ve decided to be a poet!
Mrs. Emerson faints. Mr. Emerson glares at Ralph before carrying her back to their carriage.
1835: Hollis Hall
Henry David: I do detest the layout of this dormitory! All my friends are in suites, but I have to share one double with my roommate! He’s a slob, and he snores, and leaves the outhouse smelling terribly!
Mr. Thoreau: Son, think of this as a chance to learn to live deliberately. How many rooms does a man need, anyway?
Henry David: Live deliberately? That’s the stupidest thing you’ve said yet, father. What ever does it even mean?
1878: Inside the Bike Room Of the Porcellian Club
Mrs. Roosevelt: I don’t understand, Teddy. I’m your own mother. Why can’t I come inside?
Teddy: You are inside, Mother. You should feel lucky to enter this far into the building. Do you want a sandwich?
Mrs. Roosevelt: But I don’t understand. Why must this Porcelain Club be so secretive?
Teddy: It’s the Por-CEL-lian Club, mom. Not the Porcelain Club. It’s exclusive, and therefore, it leads to a better world.
Mrs. Roosevelt rolls her eyes at her son.
1902: Inside adams house
Mrs. Delano: Franklin, why are you so frightened all the time?
Franklin: The only thing I have to fear is Ec10 itself! Last’s week’s midterm is the day that will live in infamy.
Mrs. Delano: You never were very fond of capitalism.
1906: In the Library
Mrs. Widener: I dare say, the collection of books here seems to be rather lacking. When I think of the volumes you have at home, Harry....
Harry: I love books, mother. This place has far too few of them. When I graduate, I shall travel the world in search of books. To Europe! Not a single publication shall escape me.
Mr. Widener: Well, with the way they’re building ships these days, anything is possible!
1909: Outside The Advocate
Mr. Cummings: Son, I just don’t understand. How could you get a failing grade on your essay? You’re such an excellent writer!
e.e.: something. about, the Grammar. they Said.
1939: Inside Widener
(John is kissing a girl in the library)
John: It’s a good thing Papa Kennedy couldn’t make it today. Thank goodness he was called to D.C. (Lowers his voice). Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here with you.
Girl #573: Ooh, Jack, you’re so dreamy!
John: Come on, there’s something I want to show you in the stacks….
1968: Dunster Dining Hall
Mr. Gore: Congratulations on winning the UC election, m’boy!
Al: Well, Dad, actually, the Ad Board is still deciding on the results....
1975: In Seattle
Mrs. Gates: Well, just think. We could have been in Boston right now, meeting all the other respectable parents.
Mr. Gates: I just don’t understand how we raised a college dropout. He always seemed so intelligent!