The Teahouse of the August Moon -- by John Patrick (1954)

Description
The Teahouse of the August Moon was first a renowned book by Vern Sneider. The novel was written in 1951; the play was written in 1953. The film adaptation did not arrive until 1956. A musical adaptation ran in 1970, under the title Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen.

Why has this story been told in every medium in such a short amount of time? Well, I would argue that it has to do with its cultural significance. The play centers on American occupation in Okinawa. Colonel Purdy orders Captain Fisby to establish democracy, a school building, and start a Ladies' League for Democratic Action in the small town. Of course, the tension of the play grows when Fisby is befriended by the villagers and values their ways of life. Instead of forcing assimilation, he finds appreciation. The play is narrated by the charming Sakini. Ultimately, the play is about acceptance. I do believe the play gained so much praise because of its nearness to WWII. 

Candid Reactions

• As progressive as the play is, it is disheartening to know that the role of Sakini is played by a Caucasian actor. 
• Sakini asserts, "But pain makes man think" (35). While some might argue that postwar pains are detrimental to growth, Patrick would argue the opposite. 
• Purdy is such a stereotype. 
• Okay, these jokes are pretty funny. 
• HA! Got 'em on the goat argument!
• I've never heard this definition of democracy: "It's the right to make the wrong choice" (43). 
• The concept of losing face is at the forefront of the plot development. 
• I wonder how satisfied Patrick was when he wrote, "This village isn't big enough for Plan B and a geisha girl" (46). 
• Sakini quips, "Things we do best . . . not wanted. Things we think least of . . . wanted most" (54). I wonder how resonant this statement is with artisans. 
• The reversal of the no/yes stuff is well-timed. 
• I wonder what the audience's reaction typically is when Sakini states, "In America, everybody love everybody. Everybody help everybody; that's democracy" (60). I bet the reaction would vary. Fisby's reaction that Sakini has confused democracy with faith is intriguing. 
• I wonder how many quotes Patrick had in his brain. Fisby says, "It's a step backward in the right direction" (60). I wish I had written that. 
• Purdy's picture of what is "American" is spot-on. 
• Man, Patrick can write some beautiful lines. The conclusion is sweeping: "Little story now concluded. History of world unfinished . . . Go home and ponder . . ." (61).  

Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
1. Assimilation Reconsidered
Democracy is great. To try to impose values is rarely great. John Patrick tells a story about the potential positive outcomes of culture clash. In the wake of a half-century of World Wars, the world could use some inspiration on that front. Instead of every country trying to make others assimilate to their ideals, Patrick encourages countries to consider the strengths of other countries. 

2. Comedy
Patrick tells the story with such deceptive ease. He works meticulously to create a heartwarming story that is also hilarious for its situations and slapstick humor. Patrick overcomes a major challenge -- to write a play with integrity that uses humor to challenge a country's ideals in the aftermath of a horrendous war.

Classroom Implications
I think that this text could be read with freshmen. It could be engaging because of its comedic nature. I would focus on the historical implications of the play, especially the topic of assimilation.

Personal Takeaway
American playwrights can help open windows.

Ranking

	Dialogue	Characters	Plot/Conflict	Symbol/Literary Devices	Overall Enjoyment	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	Reader has no interest in re-reading play
1	Not consistently realistic	Well-developed; most depictions reflect humanity (1.5)	Semi-engaging; some unnecessary plot-points (1.5)	Devices somewhat enhance story	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!	Devices seamlessly enhance the story and provide rich interpretation (1.75)	Reader would re-read the play on own volition, enthusiastically