The Artist as a Scapegoat

     Throughout history, there has always been a code of morals, whether that be personal or religious or what have you, people have always had a sense of right and wrong. In the play The Shape of Things, there are only four characters throughout the script. All four of these characters lack a moral compass, some more than others, but one in particular. Both couples (Adam and Evelyn, and Philip and Jenny) are participating in dysfunctional relationships where cheating, lying, and not being true to oneself seems to be acceptable behavior. In the end, this behavior sabotages both relationships and leaves these people in ruin, some more than others.
     From the very beginning, Evelyn is seen stepping over the line at the museum, already violating a rule. By defacing a statue to giving Adam an ultimatum about his friends, one could say that Evelyn has the least morals of all the characters. Additionally, she used and manipulated Adam for her art project, used for her own gain. She lied the entire time to Adam while they were together with total disregard to the pain she brought Adam and ultimately, his two closest friends. She spoiled good relationships and didn't care one bit.
     From a different perspective, Adam had the least morals. We are all responsible for our own actions. Not only was Adam not true to himself while dating Evelyn, he also cheated on Evelyn, and by default, his best friend. Although you could say that Eve changed Adam, she technically did not force him to do anything, he did everything she suggested willingly. This means that Adam was not "forced" to do anything, he willingly did things just to please his girl and disregarded his true friends.
     Although Adam, Philip, and Jenny were all untrue to their friendships and cheated on each other, their bad behavior pales in comparison to Evelyn's. She used an ultimatum in her relationship with Adam, which in my opinion, one should never do in a relationship. She also used and manipulated Adam for her art project with no regard to his feelings. She hurt Adam and she had no clue why it would be painful to him. She is by far lacking in morals the most.