"Dead End"
by Richard Parsons
Short play that seems to be a dark comedy or thriller, involving unexpected twists
and tension.
Genre:
➢ The play is described as a thriller, designed to thrill or terrify the audience.
➢ It involves elements of murder and dramatic irony, where the audience knows
something that the characters on stage are unaware of.
➢ The unpredictability of events and the tightening of tension contribute to the
thriller genre.
Characters:
➢ Arabella Snelgrove: A single woman, attractive, living in a cottage. She
appears hospitable and engaging but later reveals a darker side.
➢ Brian Wedmore: A man with theatre interests, visiting Arabella. He becomes
suspicious and is revealed to be an investigator from the Department of
Health and Social Security.
Plot Overview:
➢ Arabella invites Brian into her cottage after he admires her roses. The setting
is described as peaceful and typically English.
➢ Brian, seemingly innocuous, is revealed to be an investigator checking on the
status of Arabella's mother, as there are suspicions of fraud related to her
state pension.
➢ Arabella initially denies any wrongdoing but later reveals her true intentions.
She has faked the appearance of her mother being alive to continue receiving
the pension.
➢ The play takes a dark turn when Brian discovers freshly dug graves in
Arabella's garden. However, Arabella cleverly turns the suspicion onto Brian,
suggesting he might go missing without anyone knowing.
➢ The play concludes with a surprising twist. Arabella, mocking Brian's
suspicions, laughs at the idea of her murdering her mother. However, Brian,
angered, discovers a hammer and decides to take matters into his own
hands, attacking Arabella.
Themes:
➢ Deception and Fraud: The play revolves around Arabella's deception in
maintaining the appearance of her mother's existence to continue receiving
the pension.
➢ Suspicion and Investigation: Brian's role as an investigator introduces an
element of suspicion and investigation into the narrative.
, ➢ Dark Comedy/Thriller: The play combines elements of dark comedy and
thriller, with unexpected twists and turns.
Conclusion:
"Dead End" explores themes of deception, suspicion, and unexpected turns. The
play keeps the audience engaged through its thriller elements, and the characters'
motivations are gradually revealed, leading to a surprising and dark conclusion.
, "The Darling"- by Anton Chekhov Summary:
Introduction:
➢ Olenka is introduced sitting on her back doorstep, listening to Kukin, the
owner of the Tivoli theatre, complain about the weather affecting his business.
➢ Despite Kukin's complaints, Olenka becomes affectionate towards him.
Marriage to Kukin:
➢ Olenka and Kukin get married after Olenka's father's death.
➢ They lead a happy life, but Kukin goes to Moscow to recruit for his theatre and
is detained, then reported dead.
Marriage to Pustovalov:
➢ Olenka mourns and meets Vasily Pustovalov, a lumber merchant, whom she
quickly marries.
➢ They lead a comfortable life, absorbed in the lumber business and a
materially comfortable home.
➢ Pustovalov falls ill and dies after going to the lumber yard too soon after
drinking hot tea.
Loneliness and Depression:
➢ After Pustovalov's death, Olenka mourns in solitude for six months.
➢ She builds a rapport with Smirnin, a military veterinary surgeon, who lodges in
her house.
➢ Olenka becomes fascinated with Smirnin's work and opinions.
➢ Smirnin is transferred, leaving Olenka alone and sinking into depression.
Sasha's Arrival:
➢ Smirnin returns with his wife and son, Sasha, needing a place to live.
➢ Smirnin's wife leaves, and Smirnin becomes occupied with the town's
nightlife.
➢ Olenka becomes more involved in Sasha's life, developing a maternal
relationship.
Olenka's Maternal Obsession:
➢ Olenka absorbs Sasha's opinions and ideas, resembling a doting mother.
➢ Sasha starts feeling suffocated by Olenka's constant attention and protests
against it in his sleep.
Conclusion:
➢ The story ends with Sasha's protest against Olenka's closeness, highlighting
the irony of Olenka's relationships with men and now with Sasha.
