Introduction
"An American Daughter", a play composed by Wendy Wasserstein in 1997, centers around a strong and informed lady, Dr. Lyssa Hughes, who finds her career and personal life thrust into the public eye when she's chosen for the function of U.S. Cosmetic surgeon General. The play checks out themes of womanhood, aspiration, and the crossway of public and private life, all set against the background of the Washington D.C. political scene.
Plot Summary
The play opens with Lyssa, her partner Walter, her daddy, and her friend Charlotte gathered in Lyssa and Walter's home to celebrate Lyssa's nomination. The election has garnered mixed reactions from her loved ones, some of whom are fretted about the examination and pressure the position would bring to her life.
As the play progresses, Lyssa's nomination is jeopardized by a series of errors and scandals, among which involves her summoning her child to jury responsibility, and the other, her failure to alter her first name to her spouse's surname. In addition, questions surrounding Lyssa's heritage entered play, as rumors circulate about her Indian heritage, eventually straining the relationships with her daddy, husband, and pals.
While Lyssa contends with the fallout from these controversies, she ends up being included with producer Morrow McCarthy, who looks for to exploit Lyssa's situation for his own personal gain. As the reality about Morrow's intents becomes apparent, Lyssa should choose whether to proceed with the election, compromise her personal life and relationships, or go back to secure those she loves.
Character Analysis
Lyssa Hughes is a passionate, intelligent, and enthusiastic doctor who discovers herself on the brink of achieving an extraordinary level of success. However, she's also a deeply conflicted person who fears that her accomplishments may come at too high an expense. Her story serves as a lorry through which Wasserstein examines the difficulties females deal with in pursuing their dreams, navigating political and media examination, and balancing familial commitments.
Walter Abrahmson, Lyssa's spouse, is a sociologist and dedicated supporter of his other half's profession. Regardless of his assistance, Walter has a hard time to cope with the criticism and intense examination his wife goes through.
Senator Alan Hughes, Lyssa's father, is a happy and effective politician who ends up being conflicted about his daughter's nomination. He supports her profession however is angered by the personal betrayals and the public's focus on Lyssa's heritage.
Charlotte Chubby, Lyssa's buddy, is an independent and solid feminist who faces her own disappointments throughout the play. She assists Lyssa browse the world of politics and media, and eventually works as a source of assistance.
Morrow McCarthy is the antagonist of the play. As a television producer, he views Lyssa's circumstance as a way to enhance his own profession. He controls Lyssa's vulnerability and capitalizes on her insecurities, but is eventually unsuccessful in his attempts to exploit her.
Themes and Analysis
"An American Daughter" explores the complex relationships between ambition, gender, and power. Wasserstein's play grapples with the insidious methods which societal expectations and standards restrict and overturn ladies's autonomy and success.
Among the central themes of the play is the crossway of public and private life worldwide of politics. Lyssa's election forces her to work out the complex, frequently inconsistent demands of her career and her personal life. Throughout the play, Lyssa has a hard time to reconcile her own objectives and desires with the expectations put upon her by others.
The play likewise checks out the role of media and public examination in forming public opinion and modifying the lives of those involved in politics. Lyssa's journey functions as a cautionary tale against the corrosive effects of popularity and the fickleness of public opinion.
Conclusion
"An American Daughter", an effective and thought-provoking play by Wendy Wasserstein, not just exposes the challenges faced by women in politics and public life however likewise works as a bigger commentary on societal expectations, the media's influence, and the limitations imposed on females's success. Through Lyssa's experience, Wasserstein explores the crossway of gender, power, and ambition, eventually lighting up the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity.
An American Daughter
The play centers on Lyssa Dent Hughes, a healthcare reform crusader and daughter of a well-known senator, as she fights for her credibility and image during her nomination for the Surgeon General position.
Author: Wendy Wasserstein
Wendy Wasserstein, the extraordinary American playwright and humorist. Discover her impact on modern theatre and her insightful quotes.
More about Wendy Wasserstein