Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Susan Glaspell’s The Outside is a symbolic short play concerning two women and their attempt to shield themselves from the things that have hurt them. The play takes place in Provincetown, Massachusetts at an abandoned life-saving station. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, life-saving stations were buildings along the coast that were used to rescue shipwreck victims. The station is now the home of the embittered Mrs. Patrick. With her hired helper, widowed Allie Mayo, Mrs. Patrick lives a life of isolation as she desperately tries to suppress any signs of life. When a drowned man is brought to the house by life-savers, a sudden confrontation is sparked that illuminates the battle between life and oblivion.
The play is among Glaspell’s shortest, but is full of rich imagery and layered psychology revealed in its subtextual dialogue. The Outside’s nuanced themes and emotional content call for two strong female leads in performance.
Show Information
- Book
- Susan Glaspell
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1917
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A room in a house., Provincetown, Massachusetts., 1900s
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
|
|
|
Lead |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
The first dominant alternative to popular realist dramas from the end of the nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright