Five O'Clock Tea: Farce

Name: Five O'Clock Tea: Farce
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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Humour Plays/Films/Dramas Romance

About This Book

A comic farce set during a fashionable afternoon call in which a hostess fusses over her appearance while a gentleman visitor alternates between flattery and self-mockery as he presses for a declaration of affection. Their witty banter and small deceptions, together with anxieties about the arrival of tedious guests, expose social pretension and the rituals of domestic hospitality. Misunderstandings, flirtation, and physical comedy around props such as a fan and the gaslight create gentle satire of urban social manners within a single drawing-room scene.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.