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Sophie Treadwell

Machinal

"Machinal" by Sophie Treadwell is a groundbreaking play that offers a powerful critique of the societal pressures and expectations placed upon women in the 1920s. The play is based on the true story of Ruth Snyder, a woman who was executed for murdering her husband in 1927. The protagonist of the play, Young Woman, is trapped in a suffocating world of gender norms and societal expectations. She is expected to marry, have children, and be a dutiful wife, all while suppressing her own desires and dreams. The play explores the dehumanizing effects of these expectations, as Young Woman becomes increasingly isolated and disconnected from herself and the world around her. Treadwell's use of expressionistic techniques, such as fragmented dialogue and non-realistic staging, creates a sense of disorientation and alienation that mirrors Young Woman's inner turmoil. The play's structure is also innovative, with short, staccato scenes that create a fast-paced, almost mechanical rhythm, reflecting the oppressive nature of modern society. "Machinal" is not only a powerful exploration of gender and identity, but also a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization. The play's title refers to the mechanical nature of modern life, and the ways in which individuals become cogs in a larger machine, losing their autonomy and individuality in the process. Overall, "Machinal" is a thought-provoking and powerful play that challenges readers to question societal norms and expectations, and to consider the ways in which these norms can limit individual freedom and autonomy. It is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, expressionist theater, or social critique...