part four ... a serious discussion of gender etiquette

Renato: Good, now butter your toast. Butter it like a man. Don't be afraid. That's the way! This is the Biscotte of a Man.

( The biscotte breaks and flies across the table )

Renato: You're doing it on purpose! You’ve got it in for me ! Now take another one and try again.



















Albin: ( Whimpering continuously ) I'll never get it. Never.

Renato: Don't whine, please, don't whine! Now hold this piece firmly in your hand, steadily and confidently ... an iron fist in a velvet glove. Like a man. With a strong hand, understand? Like a real man! That’s right ! Now for something more difficult. A little jam ? Yes, take the spoon.



















Albin: The teaspoon?

Renato: No, not like that! What are you doing ? It looks like you’re ringing a little bell ! It’s just a spoon ! It's only a spoon. Hold it without quivering, firmly ! Understand?

Albin: You have something against me.

The toast breaks and goes flying again,

Renato: You’re doing it again ! If you want to kill me, aim between the eyes !

Albin: I'll never get it. I've broken the toast again.



















Renato: Yes, It's broken. It’s a disaster. The important thing is to know how to respond as a MAN ! Do you understand?

Albin: I understand. You're right.

Renato: You have to say to yourself, calmly... "Albin, so you made a mistake. It isn’t the end of the World. There’s no harm done. You can try again." Force yourself. Take another biscotte. Here ...



















Renato lifts his own teacup, and his own little finger waggles exactly as did Albin’s.

Albin: You're right. In the end, it's not serious. After all, I still have more biscottes. And then …. Oh ! Be careful with your little finger !