Author
Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances) Guptill
Born 1870
Read free books by Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances) Guptill on Rivro. Explore public-domain classics and related works.
Subjects
Books by Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances) Guptill
An Uninvited Member: A Play for Girls in Two Scenes
"An Uninvited Member: A Play for Girls in Two Scenes" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a light-hearted play written in the early 20th century. This play is intended for a young audience, specifically aimed at girls, and centers around the social dynamics and playful interactions among boarding school students. The likely topic of the book revolves around themes of friendship, curiosity, and the humorous trials of adolescence. The play unfolds in two scenes featuring a group of schoolgirls who belong to a clandestine society called the S. O. M. F. (which stands for Society of Midnight Feasters). The story begins with the girls engaging in playful banter while protecting the society's secret from their younger peers, particularly Effie. As the initiation of a new member, Dorothy, is organized with all its whimsical rituals and comical mishaps, Effie cunningly infiltrates their gathering, leading to amusing situations. Ultimately, the girls reflect on their secretive activities and decide to disband the society, recognizing that their playful adventures have only served to highlight their camaraderie and appreciation for their teacher, Mrs. Waterman, further enriching their boarding school experience.
A Troublesome Flock: A Mother Goose Play for Children
"A Troublesome Flock: A Mother Goose Play for Children" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a playful children's play crafted during the early 20th century. This theatrical work falls under the category of children's drama and features an array of familiar nursery rhyme characters. The tone and style reflect a nostalgic charm reminiscent of the early 1900s, designed to engage young audiences and invite them into the whimsical world of Mother Goose. The play revolves around beloved figures from nursery rhymes, including Old Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, and Little Bo Peep, who come together to share lively stories filled with mischief and humor. The narrative flows through dialogues and songs, portraying the adventures and antics of various characters, such as the chaotic relationship dynamics of a bachelor and his newlywed wife, and the trouble caused by Willie Winkie. The light-hearted interactions are underscored by the characters' attempts to resolve playful conflicts, ultimately showcasing the joys and troubles of childhood. With a blend of humor, music, and engaging dialogue, the play is designed to be performable by children and serves as an entertaining homage to classic nursery tales.
Taking the Census: A Farce
"Taking the Census: A Farce" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a comedic play written during the early 20th century. This humorous work features a small cast and revolves around the interactions between a census taker and a lively African American woman, Mrs. Almira Johnson, along with her son. The play likely explores the social dynamics and misunderstandings during an official census visit, serving as a commentary on race and identity in a lighthearted manner. In the story, Mr. Cole, the census taker, arrives at the home of Mrs. Johnson to gather vital statistics for the census. However, the encounter quickly devolves into a comedic exchange filled with playful banter and misunderstandings, as Mrs. Johnson misinterprets his intentions and questions. The dialogue showcases her strong personality, her relationship with her son Alexander, and the humorous struggle involving bureaucratic questioning. Through witty dialogue and absurd situations, Guptill crafts an entertaining farce that highlights both the absurdity of the census process and the cultural dynamics of the time.
A Topsy-Turvy Christmas
"A Topsy-Turvy Christmas" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a humorous play intended for children's entertainment, likely written in the early 20th century. Set in a fantastical world called Topsy Turvy Land, where ordinary rules and norms are turned upside down, the play explores themes of childhood rebellion against authority and the desire for freedom from societal constraints. The performances about the holidays aim to entertain and teach lessons about the importance of appreciating one’s home and family. The storyline follows two children, Frank and Alice, who become fed up with always having to mind the rules set by adults and set out to discover a place where children can be free. They are led to Topsy Turvy Land by a fairy, where everything is delightfully absurd—parents act like children and typical expectations are reversed. As they engage with the peculiar inhabitants, including the whimsical Clanty Sauce and others, they experience a topsy-turvy Christmas filled with amusing encounters and lessons that ultimately lead them to appreciate their own lives and rules. After their misadventures, they joyfully return to their reality, resolved to be more grateful for their families and the structured world around them.
Answering the Phone: A Farce
"Answering the Phone: A Farce" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a comedic play written in the early 20th century. This light-hearted farce revolves around the misunderstandings and misadventures that arise from a simple miscommunication regarding telephone etiquette in a home setting. The play captures the humorous elements of everyday life and the character dynamics that emerge in a domestic environment. The plot follows Mrs. Courtney and her daughter, Miss Eleanora Courtney, who leave their home with specific instructions for their new maid, Nora Flanagan, regarding how to handle phone calls while they are away. Nora, however, struggles to understand the purpose and function of the telephone, leading to a series of comical miscommunications. As Nora interacts with callers, she unwittingly engages with Miss Courtney's intended suitor, Reginald, resulting in a chaotic yet amusing mix-up. The play cleverly highlights themes of social class and communication while delivering a delightful commentary on early 20th-century domestic life.
The Changed Valentines, and Other Plays for St. Valentine's Day
"The Changed Valentines and Other Plays for St. Valentine’s Day" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a collection of plays written in the early 20th century. The compilation features stories centered around themes of love and relationships, particularly during the festive occasion of St. Valentine's Day. The plays include various characters, such as Bobby, his family, and the bachelor Uncle Bertram, depicting relatable and humorous situations surrounding the exchange of valentines. The opening of "The Changed Valentines" introduces us to a lively family atmosphere. Bobby, a small boy, is caught up in the preparations for Valentine's Day, observing his siblings as they write and send valentines to their admirers. Witty exchanges occur among the family members as Bobby conspires to playfully meddle with their letters, leading to comedic mix-ups. The narrative establishes a playful tone while hinting at the innocence and excitement of young love, setting the stage for the ensuing romantic entanglements.
The Twins, and How They Entertained the New Minister: A Farce
"The Twins, and How They Entertained the New Minister: A Farce" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a light comedic play written in the early 20th century. This farce features the antics of two young twins, Bobby and Betty, who take it upon themselves to entertain their new minister during his pastoral visit. Through their innocent but humorous misunderstanding of adult conversations and behaviors, the twins create an amusing portrayal of childhood perspective on the adult world. In the play, the twins, full of curiosity and mischief, engage in playful banter with the newly arrived Rev. J. Jones while awaiting their mother’s appearance. Their dialogues are filled with childlike confusion over adult customs, such as candy rewards for callers and the concept of gambling. The highlight comes from the twins' attempts to impress the minister with their made-up games and amusing insights about adult behavior, ultimately leading to a charming, humorous exchange that underscores their innocence. The comedic portrayal of these children interacting with an adult reinforces themes of childhood mischief and misunderstandings, making for an entertaining read.
Christmas at McCarthy's
"Christmas at McCarthy's" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a Christmas play written in the early 20th century. This entertaining work depicts the lives of immigrant families living in a tenement, focusing on the sense of community and shared joy found in their Christmas celebrations, particularly for a young orphan named Elsie. The narrative is infused with humor and moments of pathos, aiming to convey the importance of togetherness and generosity during the holiday season amidst poverty. The story unfolds around the character of Jimmy, a newsboy who, along with the other children in the tenement, desires to provide a big Christmas celebration for Elsie, who has always had such festivities before her father's absence. Despite the challenges they face, the residents of McCarthy's band together to arrange a joyful celebration, including a specially made Christmas tree and presents for Elsie. The climax occurs when Elsie's father unexpectedly returns, adding to the joy of the community gathering. Through this heartwarming narrative, the play highlights themes of friendship, compassion, and the spirit of giving.
Christmas at Punkin Holler
"Christmas at Punkin Holler" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a Christmas play written in the early 20th century. This delightful work captures the whimsical charm of a rural schoolhouse preparing for its Christmas entertainment. It features the interactions and misadventures of a group of mischievous schoolchildren and their teacher as they rehearse various performances for the holiday celebration, highlighting themes of community, innocence, and festive spirit. The storyline revolves around Miss Peppergrass, the teacher, and her attempts to manage the chaos that ensues during the last rehearsal for the Christmas event at Punkin Holler school. The play showcases a lively cast of characters, including quirky students like Hiram, Jacob, and Aunt Hepsey, who all contribute to the humor and heartwarming chaos of the rehearsal. As the children audibly bicker and engage in playful antics, the anticipation builds for the evening’s festivities, culminating in the humorous revelation that the Christmas tree has gone missing, which sends the entire group into a frenzy. Overall, "Christmas at Punkin Holler" is a lighthearted examination of holiday preparations, sure to delight both children and adults alike with its lively dialogue and charming characters.