A Bill of Divorcement: A Play in Three Acts

Name: A Bill of Divorcement: A Play in Three Acts
Author: Clemence Dane

By Clemence Dane

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Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A three-act domestic drama set at a snowy country house on Christmas Day, where recent changes to divorce law force an elderly returning husband to confront his wife, grown daughter, and family friends. Intimate scenes and public arguments explore the moral and emotional consequences of separation, the fear of inherited mental illness, and tensions between personal freedom and familial duty. The play examines shifting sexual and social expectations through practical decisions and revealing conversations that test loyalties and ask what compassion requires of individuals and society.

About the Author

Clemence Dane

Clemence Dane was a British author and playwright known for her contributions to early 20th-century literature. She gained prominence with her play "A Bill of Divorcement," which explores themes of marriage and societal expectations. Dane's work often reflects her interest in the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of women in a changing world. In addition to her plays, she wrote novels such as "Regiment of Women" and "First the Blade," showcasing her versatility across genres. Her literary legacy includes a blend of comedy and drama, making her a notable figure in the landscape of modern British theatre.