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6: Drama Readings and Responses

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    • 6.1: Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895
      This page summarizes the comedic and ironic plot of Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest." The narrative revolves around Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, their deceptions about identities, and romantic entanglements with Gwendolen and Cecily. Themes of societal expectations, misunderstandings, and the absurdity of relationships are explored through witty dialogue and character interactions.
    • 6.2: Critical Reviews of Film Version of The Importance of Being Earnest
      This page discusses the 2002 film adaptation of "The Importance of Being Earnest," urging readers to compare Oliver Parker’s directorial choices to Oscar Wilde’s original stage directions. It highlights the importance of identifying relevant passages illustrating these differences, along with reviewers' perspectives on the film. Four specific reviews by James Berardinelli, TCh, Mick LaSalle, and Robert Koehler are referenced.
    • 6.3: Anton Chekhov, “The Bear,” 1888
      This page features a tense yet humor-filled exchange between Popova, a grieving widow, and Smirnov, a landowner demanding repayment of a debt. Their confrontation reveals gender dynamics and emotional strife, as they engage in a battle of wits and insults about love and fidelity.
    • 6.4: Anton Chekhov, “The Cherry Orchard,” 1904
      This page summarizes Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," a comedy about Madame Ranevsky and her family's struggle with financial issues linked to their beloved estate. Characters grapple with nostalgia, social change, and personal turmoil as they face the impending sale of the orchard. Key themes include memory, love, loss, and the conflict between sentiment and practicality, culminating in emotional farewells and reflections on their past lives.
    • 6.5: Anton Chekhov, “The Three Sisters,” 1900
      This page explores the complex lives of the Prosorov sisters—Olga, Masha, and Irina—in a provincial town, emphasizing themes of nostalgia, unfulfilled dreams, and societal change. As they yearn for a life in Moscow, their conversations with other characters reflect frustrations, hopes, love, and personal struggles amidst the backdrop of fluctuating relationships and changing times.
    • 6.6: Susan Glaspell, “Inheritors,” 1921
      This page explores familial dynamics, social aspirations, and cultural tensions in the American Midwest through interconnected dialogues at Morton College and a surrounding farmhouse. Key characters, including Silas, Grandmother Morton, Madeline, and Holden, grapple with legacies of land ownership, education, and personal beliefs amidst historical injustices and societal challenges.
    • 6.7: Susan Glaspell, “The Outside,” 1916
      This page explores themes of grief, isolation, and the conflict between the past and present in an old life-saving station repurposed by Mrs. Patrick. As she grapples with the memory of her deceased husband, Allie Mayo attempts to connect with her despite their shared sorrow. Their dialogues reflect a struggle against despair, contrasting the bleakness of their emotions with the resilience of nature.
    • 6.8: Susan Glaspell, “Trifles,” 1916
      This page explores a tense investigation into John Wright's murder, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of men and women. The County Attorney and Sheriff focus on evidence, dismissing women's insights as trivial. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters uncover the emotional depths of Mrs. Wright's life, discovering a dead bird that symbolizes her lost joy and freedom.
    • 6.9: Susan Glaspell, “The Verge,” 1921
      This page presents a 1921 play set in a greenhouse, introducing characters such as Claire, Harry, and Tom, exploring themes of emotional turmoil, personal freedom, and societal constraints. Tensions rise through conflicts over care for plants, relationships, and self-identity. Claire struggles with her creations and desires liberation while navigating complex dynamics with family and friends.
    • 6.10: Langston Hughes and Zora Hurston, “The Mule-Bone,” 1930
      This page presents "The Mule Bone," a comedic play by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, set in a rural African American community. It features humorous interactions among vibrant characters like Jim Weston, Dave Carter, and Mayor Joe Clark, centered around local gossip, romantic rivalries, and community dynamics. Key scenes include playful banter over romantic interests, competitive games, and conflicts arising from relationships and leadership.
    • 6.11: Henrik Ibsen, “A Doll’s House,” 1879
      In "A Doll's House," Nora Helmer navigates her complex relationship with her husband, Torvald, as secrets about her past and societal expectations unfold during Christmas preparations. Despite a playful facade, tensions arise when Krogstad threatens to expose Nora's forgery to save Torvald's life. As Nora grapples with her identity and desires, she ultimately confronts Torvald about their superficial marriage, declaring her need for independence.

    This page titled 6: Drama Readings and Responses is shared under a Public Domain license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning.