Subject
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Drama Books
Best books
Rachel Baker Gale
After Taps
"After Taps" by Rachel Baker Gale and George M. Baker is a drama in three acts written in the late 19th century. The play revolves around Colonel Gordon Graham and his family during the backdrop of the American Civil War, exploring themes of loyalty, treachery, and the effects of war on personal relationships. Central to the plot are the complex dynamics between Colonel Graham, his wife Ruth, and their allies, including the enigmatic figure of Randolph Newcomb, who poses threats to the family’s honor. At the start of the play, the scene is set in Colonel Graham's home in Baltimore as Polly Primrose, a lively character, playfully dances and muses about the soldiers leaving for battle. She is soon joined by Bijah Bright, who expresses his affections for her amidst light-hearted banter. We learn of Colonel Graham's recent injury and the mysterious circumstances surrounding it, leading to suspicions about those close to him, including Newcomb, who secretly plots against Graham. The opening dialogues introduce multiple key characters, setting the stage for the unfolding drama intertwined with themes of love, duty, and the ramifications of conflict on both personal and national levels.
Foxhall Daingerfield
The southern cross : $b A play in four acts
"The Southern Cross" by Foxhall Daingerfield, Jr. is a historical play in four acts written in the early 20th century. Set during the American Civil War, specifically in 1864, the play revolves around the lives of Southern families deeply impacted by the war. The main characters, including members of the Stuart family and their friends, struggle with love, loss, and loyalty as they navigate the challenges brought about by the conflict. The opening of "The Southern Cross" introduces us to the Stuart home’s deteriorating beauty, symbolizing the physical and emotional toll the war has taken on its inhabitants. Characters such as Aunt Marthy and Cupid, who are household servants, reveal the anxiety surrounding the missing family members, particularly as they discuss the absence of soldiers and potential danger. Bev and Fair, young relatives, express both the desire to join their loved ones in the fight and the fear of losing them forever. As they converse about missing family and the pressures of war, hinting at romantic connections amidst their turmoil, the scene sets a poignant and reflective tone for the unfolding story. The interactions lay the groundwork for deeper conflicts of loyalty and love that will develop as the play progresses.
Bronson Howard
Shenandoah : A Military Comedy Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911
"Shenandoah: A Military Comedy" by Bronson Howard is a military drama written in 1888. Set during the American Civil War, the play follows Northern Lieutenant Kerchival West and Southern belle Gertrude Ellingham, whose budding romance is shattered when Fort Sumter is fired upon. As the conflict rages through the Shenandoah Valley, loyalties are tested, lovers become enemies, and a web of mistaken identities and accusations threatens to destroy multiple lives before the war's end brings resolution.
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