Evening Dress / Farce

Name: Evening Dress / Farce
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature Humour Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A brief domestic farce depicts a fatigued husband who has just returned from travel and is urged by his energetic wife to attend a formal musicale to placate an exacting hostess. The couple's anxious preparations, comic misunderstandings about evening dress and etiquette, and the arrival of friends generate rapid-fire exchanges that expose social pretensions, marital negotiation, and the absurdities of polite obligation. The play unfolds through brisk dialogue and situational humor until a practical compromise resolves the evening's tensions.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.