45 pages • 1 hour read
Charles FullerA Soldier's Play
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1981A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Set in 1944 at a segregated US Army base in Louisiana, A Soldier's Play follows Captain Davenport, a Black military lawyer, as he investigates the murder of Sergeant Waters. Through interviews and flashbacks, Davenport uncovers complex relationships and internalized racism among the Black soldiers, challenging initial assumptions about the crime. The play discusses gun violence, racism, lynching, murder, and death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Charles Fuller's A Soldier's Play is lauded for its powerful exploration of racial tensions and military life, impressing with its gripping narrative and strong character development. Reviewers praise its poignant dialogue and historical significance, though some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and compelling drama that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read A Soldier's Play?
A reader who would enjoy A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller is one who appreciates gripping military dramas, engaging mysteries, and deep explorations of race relations. Comparable to fans of August Wilson's plays and Alice Walker's The Color Purple, this reader values complex characters and thought-provoking themes rooted in historical context.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
WWII / World War II
Race / Racism
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
African American Literature
Emotions/Behavior: Revenge
Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger
Identity: Race