Watch on the Rhine
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1941
80
Play • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1940s
1941
Adult
18+ years
Watch on the Rhine by Lillian Hellman follows Sara Mueller and her anti-fascist husband Kurt as they visit Sara's wealthy family in Washington, DC, amidst tension with other houseguests, Teck and Marthe de Brancovis, revealing Kurt's dangerous resistance activities against European fascism. The play includes scenes of implied violence and references to war-related trauma.
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Emotional
Challenging
Watch on the Rhine by Lillian Hellman is well-regarded for its potent political commentary and strong characterizations, reflecting the anxieties of its era. Critics commend Hellman for her intense, thought-provoking dialogue and moral complexity. However, some feel the pacing lags in parts and certain character arcs lack depth. Overall, it's a compelling, albeit occasionally uneven, drama.
A reader who appreciates Watch on the Rhine by Lillian Hellman is likely interested in wartime drama, political tension, and moral dilemmas. Fans of works like Arthur Miller's The Crucible and John Steinbeck's The Moon Is Down will find similar engagement with ethical struggles and resistance against tyranny.
80
Play • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1940s
1941
Adult
18+ years
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