THE STORY: Sally, a “liberated” young woman who is out to establish the equality of her sex in the plumbing trade, is assigned by the union to work with Rog, a middle-aged master plumber who obviously feels that a woman’s place is in the home. At first they are oil and water, but Sally is determined to master her craft no matter how snide and brusque Rog might be, and gradually, in a series of sometimes funny sometimes poignant short scenes, Sally gains Rog’s acceptance and even his respect. In the end, however, Sally wearies of the uphill struggle and concedes that she has taken on more than she can cope with—much to the unexpected consternation of Rog, who, in a deftly understated final scene, has to admit that Sally has turned out to be a pretty good apprentice after all.
A wryly humorous and often touching examination of what happens when a young apprentice (female) is assigned to work with a crusty older plumber (male).
Especially recommended for school and contest use.
Included in the collection
The Groves of Academe and The Plumber’s Apprentice.
