Louis N. Parker (1852–1944)

A short play and a quick read. The drawing-room scenes felt like they were trying to be The Importance of Being Earnest a bit, which makes sense given that the play is portraying Victorian England. There are some stereotypes about Jewish characters (and one cringey stage direction) and Victorian views on women: Clarissa is a satisfyingly radical character but then becomes a weakling once she decides to allow a man to pay her attentions. I liked the relationship between Disraeli and his wife, Lady Beaconsfield, and I liked the author’s note that cheerfully acknowledged that he gave Lady Beaconsfield a few extra years of life because he liked her and wanted her to be present for the whole play.… (altro)