Harold Brighouse
The Price of Coal
A Play
"The Price of Coal" by Harold Brighouse is a one-act play written in the early 20th century, particularly around 1911. The narrative unfolds in a Lanarkshire colliery village, capturing the life and struggles of coal miners and their families. This poignant drama delves into the harsh realities faced by these workers and their loved ones as they navigate the risks and dangers inherent in their daily grind. The story centers around Mary Brown and her cousin Jock, who are preparing for another day at the mine. The tension rises when Jock's mother, Ellen, experiences a troubling dream the night before about a disastrous event in the mine, stirring the fear of loss in the family. As Mary and Ellen wait anxiously for news, the weight of their fears becomes palpable when a bell rings, signaling an accident at the pit. The play culminates in a moment of both relief and resolution when Jock, injured but alive, returns home and proposes to Mary. Through rich dialogue and deep characterizations, Brighouse expertly captures the dynamics of love, fear, and the grit of working-class life during this period.