The Genesis of Modern U.S.-American Drama: Lillian Hellman, "The Children´s Hour" (1934)

In terms of this essay I am going to explore the genesis of modern American
Drama.
This topic is quite extensive in scope, and that’s why I want to focus my attention on
women authors who wrote about women and about their place in the society of that
time.
In the beginning of my essay I will explore the role of women in the society of the
USA at the beginning of the previous century. I will examine what made women
change.
In the next part of the essay I will examine the contribution of women writers in the
literature of the USA at that period of time and specifically the contribution of Lillian
Hellman on the basis of her play “The Children´s Hour”. I am interested in topics and
issues that she takes under consideration in her play, and what actually Lillian
Hellman wanted to achieve by writing and staging it.
In the last part of my essay I will examine the gender and sexuality represented in
“The Children´ s Hour” by Lillian Hellman and, finally, I will present my thought about
the contribution of women writers and especially the contribution of Lillian Hellman to
the genesis of the modern American Drama.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Role of Women in Society in the 20th Century and Historical Context
• The Contribution of Women Writers in the Development of Modern American Drama. Lillian Hellman
• The Children's Hour
• Sexuality in The Children's Hour
• Gender in The Children's Hour. Good and Evil?
• Young Mary Tilford
• Mr. Amelia Tilford
• Karen Wright and Martha Dobie

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the genesis of modern American drama, focusing on women authors who wrote about women and their place in society during the early 20th century. It examines the role of women in American society at the turn of the century, analyzing the changes they underwent. The essay then delves into the contribution of women writers to American literature, particularly Lillian Hellman, whose play "The Children's Hour" is a central focus. The essay aims to understand the themes and issues Hellman addresses in her play and the purpose behind its creation and performance. Finally, it analyzes gender and sexuality as portrayed in "The Children's Hour" and concludes with a reflection on the contribution of women writers, especially Hellman, to the development of modern American drama.

• The role of women in American society during the early 20th century.
• The contribution of women writers, specifically Lillian Hellman, to modern American drama.
• The themes and issues explored in Lillian Hellman's play "The Children's Hour."
• The representation of gender and sexuality in "The Children's Hour."
• The significance of women writers' contributions to the development of modern American drama.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the essay's focus on the emergence of modern American drama, specifically through the lens of women writers. The second chapter delves into the societal context of early 20th century America, examining the role of women in a society experiencing the Great Depression and the aftermath of the First World War. The chapter explores the impact of these events on women's roles and their struggle for equal rights. The third chapter focuses on the contribution of women writers to American drama, highlighting Lillian Hellman's importance. It discusses the influence of various playwrights and the emergence of American drama on an international stage. The chapter concludes by examining the portrayal of women in literature and the emergence of feminist themes in American drama. Chapter four introduces the play "The Children's Hour," setting the stage for a deeper analysis of its themes and characters.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this essay include: modern American drama, women writers, Lillian Hellman, "The Children's Hour," gender roles, sexuality, feminist themes, societal changes, the Great Depression, the First World War, and women's rights.

Details

• College: Humboldt-University of Berlin (Anglistik / Amerikanistik)
• Course: Hauptseminar „Gender, Race and Class in Modern American Drama
• Grade: 2,7
• Author: Eugen Andri (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 17
• Catalog Number: V201473
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656285212
• ISBN (Book): 9783656285038
• Language: English
• Tags: Hellman Lillian The Children`s Hour women's issues feminism Women's rights