King Arthur's Socks and Other Village Plays

by Floyd Dell

"King Arthur's Socks and Other Village Plays" by Floyd Dell is a collection of plays written in the early 20th century, likely during the 1910s. The various plays included in this compilation explore themes of love, human nature, and relationships, often with humorous or satirical elements, and draw inspiration from the bohemian atmosphere of Greenwich Village where they were originally performed. The opening of this collection introduces a short morality play titled "Human Nature." In this piece, two celestial figures discuss the peculiarities of human behavior while observing a couple on Earth who are in a passionate embrace, defying their own admonitions. This sets the stage for the subsequent plays, which feature diverse characters in comedic and dramatic scenarios, including a reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, a romantic exploration of young lovers, and the interactions between other intriguing characters, all framed within the context of the author's keen observations on society and human dynamics.