Super Short Summary

In Dion Boucicault's play The Octoroon, the Terrebonne plantation in Louisiana faces foreclosure, with its heir, George, returning from Europe to find it in dire straits. The illegitimate daughter of the late judge, Zoe, is revealed to be an Octoroon, complicating her romantic relationship with George due to racial laws. Meanwhile, the villainous M’Closky schemes to take over the estate and Zoe herself, leading to tragic consequences. Themes of slavery, racial identification, and discrimination are explored in this melodrama. The play includes depictions of slavery, violence, and discussions of racial identity and discrimination.