Susan Glaspell war eine amerikanische Dramatikerin, Schauspielerin, Regisseurin, Romanautorin und Dichterin, die Gründungsmitglied der Provincetown Players war, einem der wichtigsten Kollektive für die Entwicklung des modernen amerikanischen Dramas. Ihre Romane und Theaterstücke widmen sich der Entwicklung tiefgründiger, sympathischer Charaktere und dem Verständnis des Lebens in seiner Komplexität. Obwohl der Realismus das Medium ihrer Fiktion war, interessierte sich Glaspell tief für Philosophie und Religion, was sich oft in den prinzipiellen Haltungen widerspiegelt, die ihre Charaktere einnehmen.
Liebe, Tod, Emanzipation und Schicksal sind die großen Themen dieses mehrere Generationen begleitenden Romans. Am Anfang steht die erste Liebe der jungen Naomi Kellogg. Nach dem Verlust ihres Geliebten Joe Copeland heiratet sie Caleb Evans und folgt ihm nach Colorado, doch sie lebt allein für ihre Tochter Narzissa. Irgendwann steht die Tochter vor der Entscheidung des pflichtbewussten, frommen Lebens, dass Caleb repräsentiert, und dem der Mutter, die ihr ein freies, selbstbestimmtes Leben wünscht.
Mrs Paxton flieht vor ihrem Unglück Hals über Kopf in eine verlassene Rettungsstation in den Dünen. Dort, umgeben von Dünen, Meer und Herbststürmen, gibt sie sich ihrer stillen Melancholie und Trauer hin, die in einer mürrischen Einsamkeit mündet. Bis eines Tages ein kleines Wunder der Natur sie ins Leben zurückholt. Der Senator aus Johnson vertritt vehement die Interessen seiner Wähler im Kapitol. Doch sein Unbehagen wird größer und größer … und er kippt im letzen Moment seine siegreiche Abstimmung, um einem Mörder eine Chance zu geben. Susan Glaspells Stories erzählen von Wendungen im Leben, in denen ihre Protagonisten den Mut zur Umkehr finden. Ihre Themen sind universell, sie handeln von Individualität und sozialer Konformität, den Kompromissen der Ehe, den Enttäuschungen und Hoffnungen des Alterns.
A Botanist's Vocabulary gives gardeners and naturalists a better understanding
of what they see and a way to categorize and organize the natural world in
which they are so intimately involved. The simple language and detailed
illustrations make this the perfect guide for anyone looking for a deeper
appreciation of the wonderful world of plants.
Exploring the dynamics of gender roles, this one-act play delves into the contrasting ways women and men approach an investigation. Set against the backdrop of a real murder case, it highlights how the wives uncover crucial evidence overlooked by their husbands. This groundbreaking work, rooted in early feminist themes, critiques societal perceptions of justice and morality. Accompanied by Glaspell's short story adaptation, this volume offers a profound commentary on women's perspectives and the complexities of truth.
The narrative centers on George Cram "Jig" Cook, a pivotal figure in American theater who provided Eugene O'Neill with his initial opportunity for success. As the founder of the Provincetown Players, Cook played a crucial role in bringing O'Neill's work to the stage. The book explores Cook's vibrant yet tumultuous journey, highlighting his ambitions, aspirations, and the challenges he faced, ultimately shedding light on his significant impact on the American theatrical landscape.
This comprehensive collection features the complete works of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Susan Glaspell, showcasing a range of one-act plays and full-length dramas. Included are notable pieces like "Trifles" and "Alison's House," alongside previously unpublished works. Each play is accompanied by introductory essays and extensive biographical and critical analyses, providing deeper insights into Glaspell's contributions to American theater. Additionally, two appendices offer information on the original performances and recent productions, enriching the reader's understanding of her legacy.
Exploring the nuances of small-town life, this collection showcases Susan Glaspell's sharp humor and keen social commentary. Alongside the classic "A Jury of Her Peers," it features eleven previously unavailable stories from 1915 to 1925, highlighting her literary versatility. Glaspell's work addresses enduring societal questions while reflecting on her Midwestern roots, blending satire with heartfelt observations. The collection, introduced by Glaspell scholars, emphasizes her significance in American literature, connecting her themes to contemporary issues such as free speech and gender.
Fidelity (1915) is a classic that should be put beside books by writers such as Edith Wharton and Willa Cather; yet the novels of Susan Glaspell, who was once considered America's greatest living playwright apart from Eugène O'Neill (and who is best-known for her short play, 'Trifles') have been ignored.Set in Iowa in 1900 and in 1913, this dramatic and deeply moral novel uses complex but subtle use of flashback to describe a girl named Ruth Holland, bored with her life at home, falling in love with a married man and running off with him; when she comes back more than a decade later we are shown how her actions have affected those around her. Ruth had taken another woman's husband and as such 'Freeport' society thinks she is 'a human being who selfishly - basely - took her own happiness, leaving misery for others. She outraged society as completely as a woman could outrage it... One who defies it - deceives it - must be shut out from it.'But, like Emma Bovary, Edna Pontellier in 'The Awakening' and Nora in 'A Doll's House' Ruth has 'a diffused longing for an enlarged experience... Her energies having been shut off from the way they had wanted to go, she was all the more zestful for new things from life...' It is these that are explored in Fidelity.
Set against a pivotal period in American history, this historical fiction delves into the themes of love, ambition, and sacrifice. The narrative unfolds in a competitive environment, with characters facing personal challenges and societal conventions. Glaspell intricately develops her characters, immersing readers in their emotional journeys. The story features a profound romantic arc, enriched by dramatic storytelling and vivid historical details that bring the era to life, showcasing the author's literary prowess and the timeless struggles of resilience.
