Plays

Name: Plays
Availability: InStock
Author: Susan Glaspell

by Susan Glaspell

No ratings yet ★ Write a review

Category: American Literature

Language: EN
Format: EPUB
Size: 188 KB

Description

This collection presents a series of one-act and full-length dramatic works authored in the early 20th century by Susan Glaspell, a prominent figure in American literature. The plays, including titles such as "Trifles," "The Outside," and "The Verge," are primarily characterised by their focus on social issues, especially those concerning gender roles and societal expectations. They employ realistic dialogue and detailed character development to examine complex themes of human psychology, truth, and justice. The settings are often domestic or confined spaces, which serve as microcosms for broader social commentary. These works reflect the author's engagement with contemporary social concerns and her interest in highlighting the nuanced experiences of women within a predominantly male-dominated society. The collection exemplifies the modernist period's emphasis on realism and psychological depth in American drama.

The plays were written during the early 20th century and are considered important texts within American theatre and literature, illustrating evolving perspectives on gender and social structure. They are notable for their concise format and their capacity to evoke complex social and psychological themes through naturalistic dialogue and character interactions.

From the opening pages

farmhouse of JOHN WRIGHT, a gloomy kitchen, and left without having been put in order—unwashed pans under the sink, a loaf of bread outside the bread-box, a dish-towel on the table—other signs of incompleted work. At the rear the outer door opens and the SHERIFF comes in followed by the COUNTY ATTORNEY and HALE. The SHERIFF and HALE are men in middle life, the COUNTY ATTORNEY is a young man; all are much bundled up and go at once to the stove. They are followed by the two women—the SHERIFF 's wife first; she is a slight wiry woman, a thin nervous face . MRS HALE is larger and would ordinarily be called more comfortable looking, but she is disturbed now and looks fearfully about as she enters. The women have come in slowly, and stand close together near the door . COUNTY ATTORNEY: ( rubbing his hands ) This feels good. Come up to the fire, ladies. MRS PETERS: ( after taking a step forward ) I'm not—cold. SHERIFF: ( unbuttoning his overcoat and stepping away from the stove as if to mark the beginning of official business ) Now, Mr Hale, before we move things about, you explain to Mr Henderson just what you saw when you came here yesterday morning. COUNTY ATTORNEY: By the way, has anything been moved? Are things just as you left them yesterday? SHERIFF: ( looking about ) It's just the same. When it dropped below zero last night I thought I'd better send Frank out this morning to make a fire for us—no use getting pneumonia with a big case on, but I told him not to touch anything except the stove—and you know Frank. COUNTY ATTORNEY: Somebody should have been left here yesterday. SHERIFF: Oh—yesterday. When I had to send Frank to Morris Center for that man who went crazy—I want you to know I had my hands full yesterday. I knew you could get back from Omaha by today and as long as I went over everything here myself— COUNTY ATTORNEY: Well, Mr Hale, tell just what happened when you came here yesterday morning. HALE: Harry and I had started to town with a load of potatoes. We came along the road from my place and as I got here I said, I'm going to see if I can't get John Wright to go in with me on a party…

Read online Download PDF Download EPUB (188 KB) Report a problem with this book