When was this play written? What was the state of the British suffrage movement oat the time?
What was Robins’ background? Based on this play, with which branches of the suffrage movement would she have had sympathy?
Was the title well-chosen? What is the play’s intended purpose, and intended audience?
Does this play remind you of any of Ibsen’s plays, such as The Doll’s House or A Man of the People? Of any Shavian plays of the period, such as Mrs. Warren’s Profession? Can you see parallels and contrasts with the themes of James’s The Bostonians?
Why do you think this was constructed as a three act rather than five act play? What is important about their respective settings?
Act I: What issues are developed in the first scene? The first act?
What do we learn about the Wynnstays, Gregory Stonor, Miss Levering and Jean Dunbarton respectively?
What does Farnborough point out as essential weaknesses in Stonor’s political views? What qualities do others perceive to be his limitations or flaws? (too self-confident)
What significance is attached to the use of the motor car? The telegram?
What effect is created by the announcement that Miss Levering is trying to raise money for a shelter for homeless women? What does she claim is “the greatest evil in the world”?
Why does she argue that a homeless shelter for women is needed? Why are “Rescue Leagues” insufficient?
How had Miss Levering been able to learn the things she learned? (disguised as poor) What counterarguments does she face when she appeals for help for fallen women?
What attitudes toward women and marriage are represented in Lord John and Mr. Greatorex? How do the women at first respond to the idea of the vote?
Are any of the names chosen fitting or symbolic? (e. g., Stonor, Greatorex)
What does Miss Levering recount of her own past? What does Mrs. Heriot add to the account?
What news does Stonor bring of the fortunes of his electoral campaign?
What do we learn of the suffragists’ election tactics? What do his auditors think of them?
Are all the women opposed to “votes for women”? (Mrs. Freddy a non-violent suffragist).
What do we learn about the events which had motivated the actions of the Suffragettes?
What motivates Jean to make an excuse for leaving Lord and Lady John’s home? (wants to hear suffragette rally)
What final incident with a handkerchief seems to suggest a hidden plot line? What surprising knowledge does Geoffrey Stonor reveal? (of Miss Levering’s first name)
Act II: In the central act, what are some features of the political speech presented?
What difficulties are faced by the women speakers, and do they do a good job of overcoming them?
Can you think of other literary instances where a political speech is used for dramatic effect?
What do we learn from this scene about the condition and attitudes of ordinary British people?
How does the play use humor to make its point? Against whom is the humor directed?
What are some instances of the comic reversal of expectations?
What is the effect of portraying Lady John’s growing interest in the women’s movement? Jean Dunbarton’s conversion to the cause? (times are changing)
Act III: What political pressures face Stonor, and how does he respond?
What are causes for disagreement between Jean and Stonor? What do we learn about his past?
How does Vida Levering respond to Jean’s desire that she and Stonor reconcile? What does she tell Lady John have been her motives?
What point is made by Vida Levering’s dismissal of Trent’s services as moderator for their meetings?
What comes out in her final conversation with Stonor? Why had he urged her to abort their child, and what effect did this have on her?
What is the importance of the paper which he hands her?
Were you surprised by the ending? Why do you think the dramatist presents a woman who leaves for a life of work rather than a marriage or reconciliation?
Is the conclusion open-ended? Can one argue that it makes an appeal to its audience?
Based on this play, what do you think were the ideals of the British women’s movement of the time? (sisterhood, broad reformist help for poor)
What are some of this play’s unusual themes? Do you know of other British literary works which deal with the theme of the psychological effects of abortion? (e. g., Egerton’s “Gone Under”)
How would you answer the charge that this play is propagandistic rather than literary? Or would this be a false dichotomy?
Does this play suggest themes still relevant today?
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