Mary McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles: A Critical Examination of American Theatre from 1937-1962

Mary McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles is a collection of her theatre criticism published in various magazines and newspapers between 1937 and 1962. These chronicles provide an invaluable glimpse into the American theatre scene during a period of great change and upheaval.

Mary McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles, 1937–1962: 1937-1962

by Mary McCarthy

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5554 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

McCarthy was a brilliant and acerbic critic, and her chronicles are filled with her sharp wit and incisive insights. She was not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom or to take on the established powers of the theatre world. She was particularly critical of the commercialism and vulgarity that she saw infecting American theatre.

In her chronicles, McCarthy championed the work of emerging playwrights and directors, such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and Elia Kazan. She also wrote extensively about the work of European playwrights, such as Bertolt Brecht and Samuel Beckett, who she believed were pushing the boundaries of the theatre art form.

McCarthy's chronicles are not only a valuable historical document, but they are also a compelling read for anyone interested in theatre criticism or the American theatre scene of the mid-20th century. Her writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and her insights into the nature of theatre are still relevant today.

Critical Reception

Theatre Chronicles was published to critical acclaim. In a review for The New York Times, critic Brooks Atkinson praised McCarthy's "wit, honesty, and intelligence." He wrote that her chronicles "are not only a valuable record of the American theatre during a great period, but they are also a pleasure to read."

Other critics were equally enthusiastic in their praise. In a review for The New Republic, critic Robert Brustein wrote that McCarthy was "the most brilliant and perceptive theatre critic of her generation." He said that her chronicles "are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the American theatre."

Literary Analysis

Mary McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles is a work of literary criticism that examines the state of American theatre from 1937 to 1962. McCarthy's writing is sharp, witty, and insightful, and her chronicles provide a valuable glimpse into the American theatre scene during a period of great change and upheaval.

McCarthy's chronicles are divided into three parts. The first part, "The Pre-War Years," covers the period from 1937 to 1941. The second part, "The War Years," covers the period from 1942 to 1945. The third part, "The Post-War Years," covers the period from 1946 to 1962.

In the first part of her chronicles, McCarthy examines the impact of the Great Depression on the American theatre. She argues that the Depression led to a decline in the quality of American theatre, as playwrights and producers were forced to cater to the tastes of a mass audience in order to survive.

In the second part of her chronicles, McCarthy examines the impact of World War II on the American theatre. She argues that the war led to a revival of the American theatre, as playwrights and producers were forced to confront the social and political issues of the day.

In the third part of her chronicles, McCarthy examines the impact of the Cold War on the American theatre. She argues that the Cold War led to a decline in the quality of American theatre, as playwrights and producers were forced to conform to the ideological dictates of the time.

McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles is a valuable work of literary criticism that provides insights into the state of American theatre from 1937 to 1962. Her writing is sharp, witty, and insightful, and her chronicles are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the American theatre.

Cultural Impact

Mary McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles had a significant impact on the American theatre scene. Her writing helped to raise the standards of theatre criticism, and her insights into the nature of theatre helped to shape the way that playwrights, directors, and actors approached their work.

McCarthy's chronicles also helped

Mary McCarthy's Theatre Chronicles, 1937–1962: 1937-1962

by Mary McCarthy

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5554 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE