Subject
Adultery -- Drama Books
Best books
Arthur Schnitzler
Reigen: Zehn Dialoge
"Reigen: Zehn Dialoge" by Arthur Schnitzler is a play written between 1896 and 1897. Ten dialogues depict pairs of men and women from different social classes before and after sexual encounters. Each scene links to the next like a dance, with one partner from each scene continuing into the following one. The cycle moves from prostitute to soldier to maid, ascending through bourgeois and aristocratic Vienna, until the final scene closes the circle. Schnitzler portrays desire, power, seduction, and disappointment across Fin de Siècle society.
Ferenc Molnár
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W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Circle: A Comedy in Three Acts
"The Circle: A Comedy in Three Acts" by W. Somerset Maugham is a play first produced in 1921. A young married woman considers leaving her husband for another man and seeks guidance from an elderly couple who eloped thirty years earlier. What she discovers challenges her romantic ideals about love and sacrifice. Set over one day at a country house, the play explores whether passion justifies abandoning comfort and respectability, featuring unexpected twists that shocked some opening-night audiences with its bold conclusion.
Allan Monkhouse
Mary Broome: A Comedy, in Four Acts
"Mary Broome: A Comedy, in Four Acts" by Allan Monkhouse is a play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mary Broome, a housemaid whose life takes a dramatic turn when the son of her employer becomes embroiled in an unexpected romantic entanglement with her. The play delves into themes of class, responsibility, and societal expectations, highlighting the contrasts between the lives of the upper middle class and their servants. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the various characters in the setting of a suburban home, preparing for an upcoming wedding. As preparations unfold, tension arises as Edgar Timbrell expresses his concerns about his best man, Leonard, who is depicted as charming yet irresponsible. The dynamics between the characters, particularly between Mary and Leonard, unfold in a way that hints at deeper issues, as Mary later confronts Leonard about his plans and intentions, leading to a moment of honesty that challenges societal norms regarding class and familial duty. The opening sets the stage for a complex exploration of these social themes as the characters navigate their relationships and the implications of their actions.
Henry Arthur Jones
Michael and His Lost Angel: A Play in Five Acts
"Michael and His Lost Angel: A Play in Five Acts" by Henry Arthur Jones is a dramatic work written in the late 19th century. The play explores complex themes of morality, temptation, and the interplay between mundane life and spiritual aspirations. The protagonist, Reverend Michael Feversham, grapples with the conflicting influences of duty, love, and his own ascetic ideals as he encounters the flirtatious and morally ambiguous Audrie Lesden. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the tension within Michael’s character as he deals with his parishioners and their struggles, particularly the case of a young girl, Rose Gibbard, who has been ruined by a man. Michael’s insistence on public confession as a means of redemption reveals his own rigid moral standards. Simultaneously, Audrie enters the scene with a provocative air; she displays a desire to engage with Michael in a spiritual and sensual manner. Their interactions set the stage for a deeper exploration of personal desires contrasted against societal expectations and religious duty. The opening portion presents a rich tapestry of emotional and moral dilemmas that will likely resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven drama.
James Edgar Smith
The Scarlet Stigma: A Drama in Four Acts
"The Scarlet Stigma: A Drama in Four Acts" by James Edgar Smith is a play inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," written in the late 19th century. This adaptation takes on themes of shame, sin, and redemption, focusing on the tumultuous lives of its characters, including Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimsdell, and Roger Prynne (Chillingworth). It sets the stage for an exploration of societal judgment and personal turmoil during Puritan times. The opening of the play introduces us to the setting of Boston in June 1668, beginning with a lively tavern scene populated by sailors and women gossiping about Hester Prynne, who is about to face a trial for adultery. As her story unfolds, tension builds around her past and the ramifications of her actions. Roger Prynne, recently returned from his long absence, learns of his wife's disgrace and becomes engulfed in a struggle between empathy and vengeful desire. The act develops into a significant discussion about love, morality, and the harsh realities of societal expectations, setting the groundwork for the emotional conflicts that will drive the characters throughout the drama.
Harley Granville-Barker
Waste: A Tragedy, In Four Acts
"Waste: A Tragedy, In Four Acts" by Harley Granville-Barker is a play written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores political and social themes through a dialogue-heavy format, focusing on the complex relationships and interactions among various characters in an upper-middle-class setting in England. The play dives into discussions around disestablishment of the church, education reform, and the roles of men and women in society, portraying the tension between personal desires and public duties. The opening of the play introduces us to the Farrant household, where an evening gathering is in progress. Mrs. Farrant, the hostess, plays the piano as a group of friends engage in lively conversation about philosophical ideas, political ideologies, and societal roles, touching on issues like education and religion. Among them is the young woman Lucy Davenport, who remains somewhat skeptical of the adults' discussions. The interactions reflect a mix of wit and cynicism, showcasing the intellectual atmosphere while hinting at deeper emotional undercurrents, especially around the theme of women negotiating their identities in a changing world. As characters discuss their views, subtle dramas begin to unfold, foreshadowing the challenges they face amid societal expectations and personal aspirations.
Arthur Wing Pinero
The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith
"The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a play first produced in 1895. Agnes Ebbsmith is a radical critic of marriage and champion of free love, living unmarried in Venice with Lucas, a politician who abandoned his wife and career for her. They plan to lecture and campaign together against social conventions. But when Lucas's relatives arrive to "arrange" matters, Agnes discovers her partner may not share her revolutionary convictions. As pressure mounts from family and friends, Agnes must confront whether her ideals can withstand reality.
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