Critical Insights: Lillian Hellman

This title in the series concentrates on those plays and books that remain part of a vibrant scholarly and popular literature about Hellman’s life and affairs. Several essays address Hellman’s most famous work The Children’s Hour. These essays address the controversial theme of lesbianism as well as the roles of good and evil in the play. Also included is an examination of both of the film versions of the play. Other essays address the accuracy of the portrayal of the Civil War in The Little Foxes, a commentary on the comparison of Toys in the Attic to the plays of Tennessee Williams and the influence of the Cold War on Hellman’s playwriting and politics.