Net Worth →
Classic Plays

The Straw: Play Guide and Free Edition

The Straw: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

The Straw is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for O'Neill, Eugene (1888–1953).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"The Straw" by Eugene O'Neill is a play written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the struggles of a widower, Bill Carmody, and his family as they cope with the illness of his daughter Eileen, who is diagnosed with tuberculosis. The play delves into themes of poverty, familial responsibility, and the harsh realities of life for those in lower socio-economic strata, presenting the dynamic and often tumultuous relationships within the Carmody household. The opening portion introduces us to the Carmody family dynamic, presenting Bill's rough demeanor and the challenging, often chaotic environment that his children navigate. Bill's selfishness and anger manifest toward his ill daughter and his other children, while we see hints of Eileen's nurturing nature amid her deteriorating health. As the family struggles with the complexities of Eileen's illness and Bill's handling of it, the scene sets a poignant tone of desperation and sadness, enhanced by the introduction of other characters like doctors and Eileen’s love interest, which will likely complicate the family's already tenuous situation. The beginning of the play sets the stage for exploration of relationships, burdens of care, and the impact of illness on familial bonds.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: The Straw
  • Author credits: O'Neill, Eugene (1888–1953)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • American drama

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: American Literature
  • Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
  • Nobel Prizes in Literature

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

Sources

More in Stage & Theatre