Author
Clemence Dane
1888-1965
Clemence Dane (1888-1965) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Clemence Dane
Regiment of Women
"Regiment of Women" by Clemence Dane is a novel published in 1917. Set in an Edwardian girls' school, it explores the intense relationship between two teachers: the charismatic, controlling Clare Hartill and young Alwynne Durand. As Hartill's dominating influence over Alwynne deepens, a student's tragic death exposes darker truths. When Alwynne's aunt intervenes, sending her niece to the countryside to recover, new possibilities emerge that challenge the bonds Hartill assumed unbreakable. This debut novel examines power, manipulation, and emotional dependence within a closed world.
First the Blade: A Comedy of Growth
"First the Blade: A Comedy of Growth" by Clemence Dane is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the lives of two main characters, Laura Valentine and Justin Cloud, as they navigate their childhood and the complexities of maturing relationships against the backdrop of a world affected by war. It explores themes of growth, love, and the challenges of balancing innocence with the realities of adult life. The opening of the novel sets a whimsical yet reflective tone, with the narrator preparing to tell the tale of Laura and Justin's lives. It introduces us to Laura, described as graceful and somewhat delicate, who is coming of age in a world that has been drastically impacted by the war. Justin, her counterpart, is depicted as earnest but perhaps lacking the imaginative spark that contrasts with Laura's whimsical nature. The narrator engages in a conversational style, playfully discussing the characters' development while hinting at the challenges and contrasts in their personalities as the narrative is set to unfold. This beginning hints at both character-driven exploration and a broader commentary on the impact of external circumstances on personal growth.
A Bill of Divorcement: A Play in Three Acts
"A Bill of Divorcement: A Play in Three Acts" by Clemence Dane is a play first performed in 1921. Set in the early 1930s, the drama explores a controversial scenario: a woman divorcing her long-institutionalized husband to remarry. Their daughter must care for her father while confronting the possibility that his mental illness may be hereditary. The play imagines a future Britain where divorce is permitted on grounds of incurable insanity—a provocative premise that captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and inspired three film adaptations.
Legend
"Legend" by Clemence Dane is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a literary context, focusing on the life and legacy of the fictional author Madala Grey, as well as her biographer Anita Serle. Through the voice of a character named Jenny, the narrative explores themes of fame, artistic integrity, and the complex relationships between women in the literary world. The opening of the novel introduces us to the aftermath of Madala Grey's death, as Anita Serle's biography about her life is released and begins to stir reactions within literary circles. Jenny reflects on her brief time spent with Anita and the influential yet tumultuous atmosphere surrounding literary figures, including feelings of admiration and resentment. The scene sets a tone of melancholy and intrigue, capturing Jenny's impressions of the vibrant yet troubled lives of writers, especially as they confront both personal and public narratives in the wake of a beloved author's passing. The reader is drawn into a world of literary critique, friendship, and the heavy burden of memory and legacy.
Will Shakespeare: An Invention in Four Acts
"Will Shakespeare: An Invention in Four Acts" by Clemence Dane is a historical drama written in the early 20th century. This play explores the early life of the iconic playwright William Shakespeare, focusing on his relationships, particularly with his wife, Anne Hathaway, as well as the influences that shaped his creativity. The narrative delves into the emotional conflict between personal desires and obligations, setting the stage for the genius that would later emerge. The opening of the play introduces a young William Shakespeare, deeply immersed in his writing while his wife, Anne, calls him to supper. Their conversation reveals an underlying tension in their relationship, as Anne yearns for connection while Shakespeare appears lost in his artistic pursuits. Their dynamic captures the struggles of love and ambition, as Anne's emotional vulnerability contrasts with Shakespeare's introspective nature. The arrival of a player from London, Henslowe, signifies a turning point, presenting Shakespeare with opportunities that challenge his loyalty to Anne and their shared life in Stratford. This initial act sets the tone for a tale of ambition, love, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing one's dreams.