The Albany Depot : a Farce By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)
The Albany Depot : a Farce by William Dean Howells is a satirical and humorous play that takes place in a train station in Albany, New York. The story revolves around the lives of various characters, each with their own quirks and motivations. The play explores themes of social class, marriage, and the absurdity of human behavior. One of the standout characters is Mr. Plausaby, a wealthy businessman who is obsessed with punctuality and efficiency. He continuously clashes with the other characters, particularly with the stationmaster, Mr. Budd. Their interactions provide much of the comedic relief throughout the play. Howells skillfully uses dialogue to create hilarious misunderstandings and absurd situations. The banter between the characters is witty and fast-paced, and the comedic timing is spot-on. The audience is constantly kept on their toes, unsure of what unexpected twist will occur next. Moreover, the play offers a biting critique of societal norms and expectations. Howells sheds light on the facade of respectability that many characters strive to maintain, exploring how they are often driven by selfish desires and ulterior motives. The layered portrayal of these characters adds depth to the comedic elements, making the play more than just a farce. What sets The Albany Depot apart is its ability to combine humor with thought-provoking commentary. The play presents a humorous surface layer that tickles the audience's funny bone, while simultaneously addressing deeper societal issues. This clever combination makes it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. The pacing of the play is excellent, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The author expertly weaves multiple storylines together, ensuring that no character or subplot feels neglected. The conclusion of the play ties up loose ends in a satisfying and comedic manner. While The Albany Depot is a farce, it also delivers messages that are relevant even today. It highlights the hypocrisy and absurdity that often underlies our daily lives, prompting readers to reflect on their own actions and motives. In conclusion, The Albany Depot : a Farce is an entertaining and thought-provoking play that showcases William Dean Howells' ability to combine humor with social commentary. The well-rounded characters, fast-paced dialogue, and clever plot twists make it an enjoyable reading experience. Whether you are a fan of farce or simply appreciate a good laugh, this play is definitely worth picking up. First Page: THE ALBANY DEPOT A FARCE By W. D. Howells NEW YORK HARPER AND BROTHERS 1892 Copyright, 1891, by HARPER & BROTHERS (THE ACTION PASSES IN BOSTON) I. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD ROBERTS; THE CHOREWOMAN Mrs. Roberts, with many proofs of an afternoon's shopping in her hands and arms, appears at the door of the ladies' room, opening from the public hall, and studies the interior with a searching gaze, which develops a few suburban shoppers scattered over the settees, with their bags and packages, and two or three old ladies in the rocking chairs. The Chorewoman is going about with a Saturday afternoon pail and mop, and profiting by the disoccupation of the place in the hour between the departures of two great expresses, to wipe up the floor. She passes near the door where Mrs. Roberts is standing, and Mrs. Roberts appeals to her in the anxiety which her failure to detect the object of her search has awakened: "Oh, I was just looking for my husband. He was to meet me here at ten minutes past three; but there don't seem to be any gentlemen." The Chorewoman: "Mem?" Mrs. Roberts: "I was just looking for my husband. He was to meet me here at ten minutes past three; but there don't seem to be any gentlemen. You haven't happened to notice " The Chorewoman: "There's a gentleman over there beyant, readin', that's just come in... Continue reading book >>

The Albany Depot : a Farce By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

The Albany Depot : a Farce by William Dean Howells is a satirical and humorous play that takes place in a train station in Albany, New York. The story revolves around the lives of various characters, each with their own quirks and motivations.

The play explores themes of social class, marriage, and the absurdity of human behavior. One of the standout characters is Mr. Plausaby, a wealthy businessman who is obsessed with punctuality and efficiency. He continuously clashes with the other characters, particularly with the stationmaster, Mr. Budd. Their interactions provide much of the comedic relief throughout the play.

Howells skillfully uses dialogue to create hilarious misunderstandings and absurd situations. The banter between the characters is witty and fast-paced, and the comedic timing is spot-on. The audience is constantly kept on their toes, unsure of what unexpected twist will occur next.

Moreover, the play offers a biting critique of societal norms and expectations. Howells sheds light on the facade of respectability that many characters strive to maintain, exploring how they are often driven by selfish desires and ulterior motives. The layered portrayal of these characters adds depth to the comedic elements, making the play more than just a farce.

What sets The Albany Depot apart is its ability to combine humor with thought-provoking commentary. The play presents a humorous surface layer that tickles the audience's funny bone, while simultaneously addressing deeper societal issues. This clever combination makes it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

The pacing of the play is excellent, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The author expertly weaves multiple storylines together, ensuring that no character or subplot feels neglected. The conclusion of the play ties up loose ends in a satisfying and comedic manner.

While The Albany Depot is a farce, it also delivers messages that are relevant even today. It highlights the hypocrisy and absurdity that often underlies our daily lives, prompting readers to reflect on their own actions and motives.

In conclusion, The Albany Depot : a Farce is an entertaining and thought-provoking play that showcases William Dean Howells' ability to combine humor with social commentary. The well-rounded characters, fast-paced dialogue, and clever plot twists make it an enjoyable reading experience. Whether you are a fan of farce or simply appreciate a good laugh, this play is definitely worth picking up.

First Page:

THE ALBANY DEPOT

A FARCE

By W. D. Howells

NEW YORK

HARPER AND BROTHERS

1892

(THE ACTION PASSES IN BOSTON)

I. MR. AND MRS. EDWARD ROBERTS; THE CHOREWOMAN

Mrs. Roberts, with many proofs of an afternoon's shopping in her hands and arms, appears at the door of the ladies' room, opening from the public hall, and studies the interior with a searching gaze, which develops a few suburban shoppers scattered over the settees, with their bags and packages, and two or three old ladies in the rocking chairs. The Chorewoman is going about with a Saturday afternoon pail and mop, and profiting by the disoccupation of the place in the hour between the departures of two great expresses, to wipe up the floor. She passes near the door where Mrs. Roberts is standing, and Mrs. Roberts appeals to her in the anxiety which her failure to detect the object of her search has awakened: "Oh, I was just looking for my husband. He was to meet me here at ten minutes past three; but there don't seem to be any gentlemen."

The Chorewoman: "Mem?"

Mrs. Roberts: "I was just looking for my husband. He was to meet me here at ten minutes past three; but there don't seem to be any gentlemen. You haven't happened to notice "

The Chorewoman: "There's a gentleman over there beyant, readin', that's just come in... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Play

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