Albert’s Bridge by Tom Stoppard. Short summary

5 seconds

Philosopher Albert was assigned to paint a bridge. It took him his whole life. His wife left him because Albert went crazy on the job. But his superiors replaced him with legions of workers. The bridge collapsed.

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Philosophical parable. Four painters were painting a railroad bridge. As soon as they got to the end of it, they had to start over. Fitch, the accountant, calculated that if he got an expensive but more durable paint, he could get 1 painter to do the job. The crew refused to paint alone.

Albert, a university graduate, asked for the job. It fit his philosophy. From the height of the bridge, he could see everything tiny and could ponder the world order. His mother and father wanted him to work in an office.

Albert married Kate the maid. They had a daughter. But Albert was absorbed in his work on the bridge. He paid little attention to his family. Kate left him.

Fraser climbs onto the bridge with the intention of ending his life. Albert does not prevent the suicide. Frazer cautiously goes downstairs.

Painter 1’s work progresses slowly. The bosses have decided to send legions of painters. Albert is indignant — it’s his bridge! Under the weight of the men, the bridge collapses.