Beyond the Horizon
by Eugene O'Neill (excerpt)
ROBERT (musingly) So I used to stare out over the fields to the
hills, out there-(He points to the horizon) and somehow after a
time I'd forget any pain I was in, and start dreaming. I knew the
sea was over beyond those hills,-the folks had told me-and I
used to wonder what the sea was like, and try to form a picture of
it in my mind. (With a smile) There was all the mystery in the
world to me then about that-far-off sea-and there still is! It
called to me then just as it does now. (After a slight pause) And
other times my eyes would follow this road, winding off into the
distance, toward the hills, as if it, too, was searching for the sea.
And I'd promise myself that when I grew up and was strong, I'd
follow that road, and it and I would find the sea together. (With a
smile) You see, my making this trip is only keeping that promise
of long ago.
RUTH: (charmed by his low, musical voice telling the dreams of
his childhood) Yes, I see.
ROBERT. Those were the only happy moments of my life then,
dreaming there at the window. I liked to be all alone-those times.
I got to know all the different kinds of sunsets by heart. And all
those sunsets took place over there-(He points) beyond the
horizon. So gradually I came to believe that all the wonders of the
world happened on the other side of those hills. There was the
home of the good fairies who performed beautiful miracles. I
believed in fairies then. (With a smile) Perhaps I still do believe in
them. Anyway, in those days they were real enough, and
sometimes I could actually hear them calling to me to come out
2
Select the correct answer.
What can you infer about Robert's character?

A Robert often wrote imaginative stories as a child.
B Robert wishes that he lived closer to the sea.
C Robert wishes to travel and seek adventure.
OD. Robert often had conflicts with his parents as a child.
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