36 pages • 1 hour read
Neil SimonThe Odd Couple
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1965A 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
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon follows the story of two friends, Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar, who become unlikely roommates after their respective divorces. The play explores their clashing personalities—Oscar's sloppiness versus Felix's obsessiveness—and the comedic fallout of their living arrangement. Their evolving dynamic ultimately highlights the importance of compromise and friendship. The play addresses themes of divorce and mental health struggles.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon is praised for its sharp wit and dynamic character interactions. Reviewers admire its comedic portrayal of mismatched roommates and its insightful commentary on friendship. However, some criticize it for relying on stereotypes and for a plot that can feel predictable. Overall, it remains a beloved and humorous classic in American theater.
Who Should Read The Odd Couple?
Readers who enjoy sitcom humor, mismatched friendships, and witty dialogue will appreciate Neil Simon's The Odd Couple. Fans of character-driven stories similar to those in Richard Russo's Straight Man or the comedic elements in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five will find this play engaging and humorous.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Play: Drama
Play: Comedy / Satire
Relationships: Friendship
Relationships: Marriage
Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness
Relationships
Depression / Suicide