42 pages • 1 hour read
The Children's Hour
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Book Brief
72
Play • Fiction
1930s
1934
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour follows Martha and Karen, two women who open a girls' school together. Their lives unravel when a student, Mary, accuses them of having a romantic relationship, leading to scandal and loss. Despite suing for libel, they lose the case, and the fallout is devastating. The play was considered controversial for its sympathetic portrayal of same-sex attraction. The play addresses themes of false accusations and societal stigma surrounding same-sex relationships.
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour is lauded for its intense emotional impact and bold exploration of taboo topics, particularly the ramifications of deceit. Critics praise Hellman's ability to build suspense and develop complex characters. However, some argue that the ending is too melodramatic and the dialogue occasionally feels dated. Overall, it remains a powerful and provocative play.
Who Should Read The Children's Hour?
A reader who would enjoy The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman is likely to appreciate intense psychological dramas and themes of deceit and moral conflict. Fans of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams or The Crucible by Arthur Miller would find similar appeals in Hellman's play, with its exploration of the destructive power of lies and societal pressures.
14,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Martha Dobie
Martha Dobie
Co-founder and headmistress of the school alongside Karen, Martha is a high-strung woman raised by her dramatic aunt, Mrs. Mortar, and is known for her emotional intensity.
Mary Tilford
Mary Tilford
A spoiled and difficult fourteen-year-old student, Mary is known for her sullen expression and talent for manipulating others through her lies.
Mrs. Lily Mortar
Mrs. Lily Mortar
Martha's aunt and a former actress, Mrs. Mortar lives at the school and is known for her dramatic tendencies and selfish behavior.
Mrs. Amelia Tilford
Mrs. Amelia Tilford
Mary's wealthy grandmother and Joe's aunt, Mrs. Tilford is a dignified woman who believes in the innocence of her granddaughter.
Dr. Joseph Cardin
Dr. Joseph Cardin
Karen's fiancé and Mary's cousin, Joe is a pleasant physician who loyally supports Karen and Martha.
Rosalie Wells
Rosalie Wells
A student at the school, Rosalie wears glasses and becomes entangled with Mary's deceit due to a secret she keeps.
Peggy Rogers
Peggy Rogers
One of Mary’s friends at school, Peggy is influenced by Mary despite her own tendency to follow rules and consider consequences.
Evelyn Munn
Evelyn Munn
A student and friend of Mary’s at school, Evelyn has a lisp and is not naturally mischievous.
Agatha
Agatha
The long-serving maid for the Tilford family, Agatha is wary of Mary's dishonesty but lacks the authority to intervene.
72
Play • Fiction
1930s
1934
Adult
18+ years
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