Craig's Wife -- by George Kelly (1926)
DescriptionGet ready . . . Craig's Wife by George Kelly . . . is mainly about . . . Mr. Craig's wife! HA! Harriet Craig is the main character. I don't know how I'd classify her. Is she the protagonist? Is Mr. Walter Craig, her husband, the protagonist? I don't know. I'm not sure it matters, either.
In short, Harriet Craig is impossible. She tries to control everything for her own benefit. Eventually, Mr. Craig is made aware of her manipulative ways and he begins to rebel. The play almost assumes an Albee-esque vibe in the middle of the play.
Candid Reactions
- Was Kelly intending for most of the last names to be male names?
- The question, "Is there a need for marriage outside of financing?" seems to be an important social question of the 20s.
- Harriet contends that she married "to be independent" (168). Paradox, anyone?
- I wasn't expecting that interesting argument that women have more control over men in marriage.
- Miss Austen is serving up some truth: "People who live to themselves, Harriet, are generally left to themselves" (178).
- I like Miss Austen.
- Okay, so what exactly is going on by the end of Act One?
- I don't trust Mrs. Craig.
- How is Mrs. Craig both selfish and so concerned about what the society thinks?
- Wonderful use of the mirror. Kelly helps subtly reinforce Mrs. Craig's narcissistic behavior.
- The theme of martyrdom is interesting to watch develop.
- Ahhhhh, Mrs. Craig's line about securing a home in contrast to securing a relationship is fascinating. She says that you can lose a relationship, but you could not lose a home if you knew how to secure it (198). Wonderful way to develop character in such a short statement.
- Oh, now that was a satisfying ending to Act Two.
- The motif of calling is engaging.
- Mr. Craig asserts, "One cannot play a dishonest game indefinitely" (212). What a good quote!
- Another strong ending to an act!
Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
1. Selfish Behavior
In the page preceding the start of the play, John Gassner provided a nice glimpse into George Kelly's exigence. Gassner shares how Kelly was not simply attacking or satirizing the materialistic nature of middle class society. Rather, Kelly was admonishing both materialism and general selfishness. Kelly makes America squirm as he addresses capitalistic bullying and selfishness. Once more, theater is being used to better society.
2. Masculinity
While Harriet's behavior is clearly discouraged, Walter's emasculated behavior is also discouraged. How often do plays include indictments on men for not being "manly" enough or for not being more domineering in their marriages (without the message not being satirical)?
Classroom Implications
I wouldn't use this with a class. However, this play could be interesting to pair at a college level with any work of Albee's.
Personal Takeaway
Some plays take some time to hook you.
Ranking
Dialogue
|
Characters
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Plot/Conflict
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Symbol/Literary
Devices
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Overall Enjoyment
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TOTAL SCORE
7.75 |
|
0
|
Unfollowable; unrealistic;
diction does not match character
|
Undeveloped; does not reflect
humanity
|
Not engaging; predictable;
reader can step away from text because it isn’t gripping
|
Devices are apparent for
cleverness and do not enhance the story
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Reader has no interest in
re-reading play
|
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1
|
Not
consistently realistic
|
Well-developed; most depictions
reflect humanity (1.5)
|
Semi-engaging; some unnecessary
plot-points
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Devices somewhat enhance story (1.5)
|
Reader would re-read with
pleasure and reminded of work (1.25)
|
|
2
|
Realistic;
connotative; diction matches characters (1.75)
|
Fully-developed; depictions
reflect humanity
|
Engaging; unique; reader finds
it impossible to put down text because the conflict is so gripping! (1.75)
|
Devices seamlessly enhance the
story and provide rich interpretation
|
Reader would re-read the play
on own volition, enthusiastically
|
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