Why is Machinal called Machinal?
Machinal is a 1928 drama written by American playwright Sophie Treadwell. The drama is partially based on the true incident of Ruth Snyder, a woman who was condemned and hanged for her husband’s murder.
“Machinal” is derived from the French term “machinale,” which means “mechanical.” Treadwell coined this word to describe the mechanical character of modern life and how humans are frequently viewed as machines.
The drama investigates the dehumanizing consequences of industrialization well as the repressive social conventions that dominate the lives of women.
Helen, the play’s protagonist, is a young lady caught between a loveless marriage and a soul-crushing office job. Her existence is a succession of mechanical, repeated tasks that leave her empty and alienated from the world around her.
Treadwell’s narrative of Helen demonstrates how modern society’s pressures may destroy our humanity and leave us feeling like cogs in a machine.
Ultimately, the term “Machinal” is an effective metaphor for the play’s themes, implying that we are all trapped in a system that might crush our spirits and turn us into mindless automatons.
What is Machinal based on?
Machinal is a 1928 drama written by American playwright Sophie Treadwell. The play is partially based on the true story of Ruth Snyder, a woman convicted and hanged in 1928 for the murder of her husband.
Ruth Snyder’s story was widely covered in the media at the time, and Treadwell based her piece on this sensationalized narrative. Machinal, on the other hand, is not a straightforward recounting of Snyder’s story.
Treadwell, on the other hand, uses Snyder’s case as a springboard to investigate bigger concerns of gender, power, and societal expectations.
The drama tells the narrative of Helen, a young lady caught in a loveless marriage and a soul-crushing office job. Helen, like Snyder, is found guilty of murdering her husband and put to death.
Treadwell’s play, on the other hand, is less concerned with the mechanics of the crime and instead uses Helen’s story to address the difficulties that women experience in a patriarchal culture.
Overall, Machinal is a striking criticism of the repressive societal conventions that dominate women’s life, as well as a piercing critique of industrialization and modern society’s dehumanizing impacts.
What is Machinal’s message?
Sophie Treadwell’s drama “Machinal” was first performed in 1928. The plot revolves around Helen, a young lady who feels bound and oppressed by society’s expectations and her life as a wife and mother.
Helen goes through a series of events during the play that eventually leads to her committing murder and facing the repercussions.
“Machinal’s” message is diverse and can be read in a variety of ways, but one of its key themes is the dehumanizing impacts of modern industrial civilization.
Helen is portrayed in the play as a machine-like person who is obliged to conform to the demands of people around her, whether they are her husband, mother, or coworkers. She is treated as if she were a gear in the system, rather than as a person with her own wants and requirements.
Another message of “Machinal” is women’s lack of agency in society at the time. Helen’s narrative reflects the limited opportunities open to women in the 1920s. She is expected to marry, have children, and be a good wife and mother, with no regard for her own interests and goals.
The drama emphasizes the oppressive effects of societal pressure on women, as well as the disastrous consequences that can occur when they are pushed to their breaking point.
Ultimately, “Machinal” is a criticism of modern society’s dehumanizing consequences and the restricted options given to women in the 1920s. It’s a harsh reminder of the value of agency and the risks of denying people the ability to make their own decisions.
Characters in Machinal
Characters in Machinal “Machinal” by Sophie Treadwell includes several characters, including:
Helen Jones: The play’s protagonist, a young lady bound and burdened by society’s expectations and her life as a wife and mother.
Helen’s husband, George H. Jones, is a wealthy businessman who is bossy and domineering.
Helen’s mother, who is critical of her daughter’s decisions and tries to persuade her to comply with society’s norms.
A young woman works as a stenographer with Helen and becomes her friend.
Filing Clerk: A man who works with Helen and develops feelings for her.
Doctor: A doctor who is summoned to check on Helen following her illness.
Helen is represented by a lawyer throughout her trial.
Prosecution Attorney: The prosecutor who presents Helen’s case during her trial.
Helen’s defense attorney represents her during her trial.
Helen’s trial is presided over by a judge.
These characters play significant roles in the novel, shaping Helen’s experiences and the events that led to her murder. The play delves into the characters’ relationships as well as the cultural influences that push them to act in specific ways.