30 pages 1 hour read

Sophie Treadwell

Machinal

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1928

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell tells the story of Helen, a young woman who feels trapped in a mechanized and oppressive society. Each of the nine episodic scenes depicts various stages of her life, from work and marriage to motherhood and beyond. Helen's struggle for freedom leads her to make drastic decisions, culminating in actions that shock society and ultimately lead to her execution.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Machinal by Sophie Treadwell garners praise for its evocative portrayal of a woman's struggle against societal oppression, with critics lauding its innovative expressionist style and compelling protagonist. However, some find the play's bleak tone and fragmented narrative challenging. Overall, it remains a powerful, thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Machinal?

A reader who would enjoy Machinal by Sophie Treadwell is likely drawn to expressionistic plays and feminist themes. Similar to those captivated by Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House and Susan Glaspell's Trifles, they appreciate explorations of societal constraints on women and existential discontent within oppressive systems.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

NP

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Genre

Education

Drama / Tragedy

Classic Fiction

Topics

Education

History: World