Death and the Maiden Lesson Plan

What are some apparent sources of tension in Gerardo’s and Paulina’s first conversation? What does this conversation suggest about the couple’s relationship in general?

In the couple’s first conversation, they bicker about whose responsibility it is to fix the spare tire, with each one blaming the other; Paulina also accuses Gerardo of catching a ride home with a woman, when in fact a man drove Gerardo home. There is also slight tension when Gerardo lies to Paulina about needing her permission before accepting a position on the president’s Commission, when in fact he accepted before he asked her. These small instances point to larger sources of tension in the couple’s...