Author
Edna I. MacKenzie
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Subjects
Books by Edna I. MacKenzie
Snowbound for Christmas
"Snowbound for Christmas" by Edna I. MacKenzie is a Christmas play intended for children, written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Simpson family, who find themselves unable to travel to town for Christmas shopping due to heavy snowfall, leading to a heartfelt exploration of the meaning of Christmas. It highlights themes of creativity, family togetherness, and the spirit of giving through homemade gifts. The narrative unfolds in the Simpson farmhouse, where the family grapples with the disappointment of not being able to celebrate Christmas with traditional store-bought gifts. The children, led by the oldest siblings Minerva and Sam, decide to create presents for each other using their creativity and resources at hand, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy despite the circumstances. Ultimately, they surprise their parents with promises to undertake chores they dislike, symbolizing a deeper commitment to family and love. The act of giving becomes a testament to their appreciation for one another, culminating in a joyful celebration of Christmas at home.
That Awful Letter: A Comedy for Girls
"That Awful Letter: A Comedy for Girls" by Edna I. MacKenzie is a comedic play written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the themes of snobbery and social class, specifically exploring the interactions between a city girl, Margaret, and her rural cousin, Elizabeth, who is depicted as an unsophisticated country girl. The play captures the humor that arises from misunderstandings and character contrasts, making it a lighthearted exploration of societal pretensions and prejudices. The plot unfolds as Margaret is compelled by her father to invite her country cousin Elizabeth to visit her in the city. However, Margaret, concerned about Elizabeth's lack of sophistication potentially harming her social status, concocts a letter laden with snobbery to deter her. Unbeknownst to Margaret, Elizabeth sees through the rudeness of the letter and decides to accept the invitation with a plan to play the part of the awkward cousin. As Elizabeth arrives, the comedic situations escalate due to her unexpected confidence and charm, ultimately revealing that she is not as uncultured as Margaret assumed. The play culminates in moments of self-reflection for Margaret, who learns lessons about humility, friendship, and the value of authenticity over social status.
Susan Gets Ready for Church: A Monologue
"Susan Gets Ready for Church: A Monologue" by Edna I. MacKenzie is a comedic monologue likely written in the early 20th century. The book is a theatrical piece that captures the frantic morning routine of an ordinary girl named Susan as she prepares for church on a Sunday. The narrative unfolds through Susan's humorous and relatable thoughts and dialogues, providing insight into her character and the cultural context of the time. In the monologue, Susan's life is depicted as typical for a young girl in a domestic setting. She rushes through her morning preparations, expressing comedic frustrations with everything from her cold breakfast to finding her missing gloves. Throughout the piece, she interacts with her family members, showcasing a blend of sarcasm and everyday challenges. The humor shines through her commentary on the expectations of attending church and the pressures of appearances, especially concerning a new hat, which reflects societal values and adolescent concerns. The piece highlights the universal theme of balancing personal desires with family obligations, all delivered with a lighthearted touch.
The Dearest Things in Boots
"The Dearest Thing in Boots" by Edna I. MacKenzie is a comedic play written during the early 20th century. It centers around the bustling environment of a ladies' shoe store, where the perspectives on footwear are humorously intertwined with themes of womanhood and social issues, such as suffrage. The play captures the conflicting attitudes of its characters towards women’s roles in society, particularly through the lens of fashion and commerce. In the story, Jack Wilson is working under his father's guidance at the family shoe store, where he encounters various customers, each representing different viewpoints on women's rights and fashion. Among these customers is Betty Moffat, who is charming yet temperamental over shoe sizes, and Miss Firmrock, a passionate suffragette, alongside Mrs. Atkins, an anti-suffragette. As Jack navigates the chaotic demands of his customers while trying to prove himself, comedic misunderstandings arise related to women's sizes and expectations, highlighting the absurdities of social norms regarding women and their footwear. Ultimately, the play culminates in Jack's realization of what truly matters—the affection of Betty, showcased through their playful banter about shoes, thus capturing both the lightheartedness and deeper truths within everyday interactions.