| The Contrast |
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It could be considered ironic that Royall mocks and harshly critizices Americans in his play because they follow British fashion and indulge in British vices, while the play is based in British play traditions. ''The Contrast'' marks the first American play that was professionally produced and written by an American citizen. "Primus ego in patriam Aonio--deduxi vertice Musas." I, the first in the homland Aonio, having founded this colony, turn to the Muses. CHARACTERS
PLOT SUMMARY Act I Scene i The audience is introduced to two friends, Charlotte and Letitia. They discuss the upcoming arranged marriage of Mr. Dimple and Maria Van Rough. Durning the engagement, Dimple traveled to England, leaving Maria to read books. In reading books, her tastes improved to the point of finding Dimple's love letters poorly written. The also discuss the engagement of Mr. Indigo, a wealthy Carolinian, and Sally, a pre-pubescent girl. The marriage of Miss Lovely to Bob Affable is also discussed. Maria speaks to her father about her depression, which he attributes to her reading. In a sololoquie, Maria believes that if she tells her father how she truly feels, he will understand. Scene ii Charlotte and Letitia return from shopping. Charlotte is pleased with her purchase of a fashonable dress, despite it's poor fit. She was also happy to buy a hat, preventing Sally Slender from buying it. Charlotte receives a message stating that in preparation for her engagement, her brother, Coloner Manly, is visiting. Act II Scene i Scene ii Act III Scene i Scene ii Act IV Scene i Scene ii Act V Scene i Scene ii EXTERNAL LINKS Online text of the play |
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