Josiah's Secret: A Play

Name: Josiah's Secret: A Play
Author: Marietta Holley

By Marietta Holley

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Gender & Sexuality Studies Humour Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A three-act comic domestic drama follows a rural couple as they spar over household labor and women’s political rights. The wife, exhausted by chores, adopts a deliberately performative Rose Act to meet her husband’s notion that women should be charming and passive, while he worries about practical errands and the idea of women voting. Through irony, stage business, and sharp exchanges the play lampoons gender stereotypes, highlights the unseen burdens of unpaid domestic work, and uses humor to critique contemporary anti-suffrage arguments.

About the Author

Marietta Holley

Marietta Holley was an American author and humorist known for her satirical writings that often addressed social issues of her time, particularly women's rights and societal norms. She created the beloved character Samantha Allen, who navigates the challenges of life with wit and wisdom. Holley's notable works include "Around the World with Josiah Allen's Wife" and "Josiah Allen on the Woman Question," where she cleverly critiques gender roles and advocates for women's empowerment. Her unique blend of humor and social commentary has left a lasting impact on American literature, making her a significant figure in the literary heritage of the late 19th century.