Edna I. MacKenzie
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.