Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76 An Incident of the Revolution

by Oliver Bell Bunce

"Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76" by Bunce is a comedietta written during the mid-19th century. This theatrical work reflects the period’s preoccupation with both the American Revolutionary War and the societal dynamics of that era. The play likely explores themes of love, loyalty, and the conflict between personal desire and patriotic duty during a time of upheaval in American history. In "Love in '76," the story unfolds in the drawing room of Mr. Edward Elsworth, where his daughters, Rose and Kate, are eagerly awaiting the return of young soldiers amidst the backdrop of the American Revolution. The narrative revolves around the tensions between loyalist and rebel viewpoints represented by the characters, particularly when Captain Walter Armstrong, a rebel, seeks to win Rose's heart. The play's climax arises as Armstrong is captured by British forces, necessitating a clever ruse by Rose to protect him, ultimately leading to unexpected marriage amidst a comedic yet dramatic confrontation with British Major Cleveland, who has his own designs. The weaving of personal and political entanglements culminates in a lighthearted yet poignant portrayal of love's endurance in times of strife.