Bartlet's Tense Formal Greeting to Dr. Griffith
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Bartlet and Griffith exchange formal greetings in the Oval Office, setting a tense yet respectful tone for their upcoming confrontation.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Anxiously composed, politeness veiling apprehension about her job and principles
Dr. Griffith waits poised yet anxiously in formal attire as Bartlet enters the Oval Office at night; she responds deferentially to his greeting with 'Good evening, Mr. President,' establishing a veneer of formality over the brewing confrontation.
- • Initiate the meeting with decorum to humanize the confrontation
- • Gauge Bartlet's tone for clues to his intentions regarding her position
- • Scientific truth on marijuana outweighs political backlash
- • Bartlet respects candid expertise despite external pressures
- • initiate formal tension leading causally to confrontation over resignation
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Ellie's defiance mirrors Griffith's own resistance to political pressure, both standing on principle against Bartlet's authority."
"The formal tension between Bartlet and Griffith leads to her attempting to resign, which he ultimately rejects, resolving their conflict."
"The formal tension between Bartlet and Griffith leads to her attempting to resign, which he ultimately rejects, resolving their conflict."
"The formal tension between Bartlet and Griffith leads to her attempting to resign, which he ultimately rejects, resolving their conflict."
"The formal tension between Bartlet and Griffith leads to her attempting to resign, which he ultimately rejects, resolving their conflict."
Key Dialogue
"BARTLET: "Good evening.""
"DR. GRIFFITH: "Good evening, Mr. President.""