I normally enjoy reading plays. Inside my mind I put on my own little production- set up the scene, do the voices, and of course cast myself in the best role. However, I found Girl of the Golden West to be, well, less exciting. In my typical fashion, I'll blame my lack of interest on the year it was written. I've never read a play from the early 1900s (1905 to be exact) which probably altered how I viewed it. Plus it was a melodrama, something again new to me. I think the people of the 1900s and I have a different view of what is entertaining.
The play does not leave any doubts that this is, in fact, a melodrama. It contains so many emotions, all nicely displayed for the audience, that it is almost comical. Theater today takes a slightly more subtle approach, making the audience have to do a little thinking about a character's actions. But here, it's all laid out.
The play is funny on some level though, especially with the character of the Girl. While I wouldn't say she exactly has "one-liners", her phrases are so blunt and straightforward that they make me laugh.
Johnson: "Yes, well, I'm like Dante...Let's say that this is my one hour- the hour that gives me that kiss."
Girl: "Go long..."
She is just so frank about everything, making her a unique character. This is no damsel in distress.
Posted by VanessaKolberg at December 5, 2005 01:54 PM | TrackBackI agree with the role that she plays as the female that can take care of herself. Valerie talks about the Girl being a strong woman on her blog.
Posted by: Stacy at December 5, 2005 05:13 PMI can absolutely agree that this character is not your typical "doll" Vanessa. She is obviously the kind of girl that I would particularly find myself attracted to (had I been in that era). I am not for the superficial women. The girl in this story is clearly a strong willed person with wit, NATURAL beauty, and completely honest. Those are traits that are nothing like that of the women in that time period. There is a quote from that story on the fourth page, but it would be easier to just check out my blog.
Posted by: Jason Pugh at December 5, 2005 08:35 PMShe's definitely no damsel in distress. But don't you think its a fun/refreshing change from the heavy reading we've had to do all across our English major classes this semester? Shakespeare he ain't, but lord bless his soul for being that way!
Posted by: Neha at December 5, 2005 10:54 PM