Idiot's Delight -- by Robert E. Sherwood (1936)

Description
Idiot's Delight is Robert Sherwood's first of three Pulitzer Prize-winning plays. The play starred Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne -- a pairing who has a Broadway theater named after them. The play is set at the Hotel Monte Gabriele in the Italian Alps near Switzerland and Austria. Keep in mind that the play is written in between WWI and WWII. The play takes place "in any imminent year" . . . Disturbing? I think so.

The play centers on an assortment of international travelers who find themselves stuck in a hotel due to travel restrictions from a looming war. The individuals talk with each other and get to know each other. The play contains classic comedic hallmarks such as mistaken identities and a unification of a couple at the end. However, the play also contains a grim warning to the world: humans are capable of thoughtless evil. 

Candid Reactions

• The Captain confesses, "I too, am a pawn" (16). This line is layered. It is both funny and sad. 
• The whole conversation between Harry and Doc is hilarious. 
• I can't tell if I find the Cherry couple to be annoying or really funny. 
• Irene has the best lines in the play. We'll start with, "Everybody can be nobody by merely removing their masks. But I know you prefer people with their masks on" (44). I feel like that could be made into a great writing prompt. 
• Sherwood creates a bold statement subtly when he writes, "You know -- you always think of wolves as howling constantly, don't you?" (46)
• Okay, seriously, she has the best lines. I am sometimes surprised this play is labeled as a comedy. Irene briefly provides a terrifyingly sinister outlook on God in relation to war: "Poor, dear God. Playing Idiot's Delight. The game that never means anything and never ends" (49). 
• I really am impressed by Sherwood's ability to deliver harsh criticisms in a humorous way. When the Cherry couple talks about the justification of killing, I found myself both laughing and being scared. 
• He really lays on the heavy anti-war sentiment more and more near the end of the play. The doctor argues, "Why should I save people who don't want to be saved -- so they can go out and exterminate each other? Obscene maniacs!" (80)
• How awkward is it that Sherwood calls for "weird flares of light"?
• That was a superb ending.  

Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
1. Anti-War
The play came in between two world wars. The play has a strong message about how ludicrous the violence of wars is. To make that strong statement in a time of such unifying patriotism is brave. It is also brave of Sherwood to do this in the form of comedy.

2. Representation
The play includes individuals from across the globe. Sherwood is clever in how he makes the plot seem natural.

Classroom Implications 
I would not use this in high school. I would consider incorporating this in a drama course in college or during a literary focus on anti-war pieces. 

Personal Takeaway
Comedies can haunt, too.

Ranking

	Dialogue	Characters	Plot/Conflict	Symbol/Literary Devices	Overall Enjoyment	TOTAL SCORE 7.0
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	Reader has no interest in re-reading play
1	Not consistently realistic (1.5)	Well-developed; most depictions reflect humanity (1.5)	Semi-engaging; some unnecessary plot-points (1.5)	Devices somewhat enhance story (1.5)	Reader would re-read with pleasure and reminded of work (1)
2	Realistic; connotative; diction matches characters	Fully-developed; depictions reflect humanity	Engaging; unique; reader finds it impossible to put down text because the conflict is so gripping!	Devices seamlessly enhance the story and provide rich interpretation	Reader would re-read the play on own volition, enthusiastically