Lillian Hellman's 'The Little Foxes' is a critical examination of capitalism and moral decay, set in the American South during the early 20th century. The play explores the ruthless pursuit of wealth by the Hubbard family, contrasting the avaricious siblings with the morally upright Horace Giddens. Themes of greed, betrayal, and the exploitation of the working class underscore the narrative, with Regina's ambition leading to familial discord and her ultimate isolation.
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Lillian Hellman was born in 1905 in New Orleans and began her career in the arts in the 1930s, eventually transitioning into playwriting
The Children's Hour
Hellman's debut play, "The Children's Hour," was met with critical acclaim and established her as a significant figure in American theater
The Little Foxes
Hellman's play "The Little Foxes," which premiered on Broadway in 1939, is noted for its incisive commentary on capitalism and its corrosive effects on human values
Hellman's body of work frequently tackled pressing sociopolitical issues, often critiquing systems that oppressed the marginalized and working classes
The narrative of "The Little Foxes" is propelled by the complex relationships among its characters, particularly the cunning and ambitious Regina Hubbard Giddens and her morally upright husband Horace
The plot centers on the Hubbard siblings' unscrupulous pursuit of wealth through a cotton mill business venture, leading to betrayal and tragedy
Set in the American South during the early 20th century, "The Little Foxes" examines the challenges faced by the once-dominant Southern aristocracy as they adapt to a new economic landscape without the institution of slavery
Familial betrayal and greed are recurring themes in "The Little Foxes," exemplified by Regina's callous actions and the characters' ruthless pursuit of wealth
As a piece of Social Realism, the play scrutinizes the conditions of the working and lower classes, revealing the entrenched power dynamics and exploitation that persisted in the post-Civil War South
Hellman skillfully utilizes foreshadowing, biblical allusions, and imagery to deepen the story's impact and underscore the play's dramatic effect
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In ______, Lillian Hellman, an esteemed American playwright, was born in the city of ______.
1905
New Orleans
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The play 'The Little Foxes,' written by Hellman and first shown on ______ in ______, draws its name from the ______, hinting at the theme of minor evils leading to larger corruption.
Broadway
1939
Song of Solomon
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Hellman's thematic focus in her body of work
Critique of systems oppressing marginalized and working classes.
