Plot Summary

Watch on the Rhine

Lillian Hellman
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Watch on the Rhine

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1941

Book Brief

Lillian Hellman

Watch on the Rhine

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1941
Book Details
Pages

80

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Washington, D.C. • 1940s

Publication Year

1941

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Watch on the Rhine?

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.

Book Details
Pages

80

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Washington, D.C. • 1940s

Publication Year

1941

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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