The Children's Hour

The Children's Hour somewhat follows the Well Made Play structure. Arguably, the part that deters from this would be Martha's untimely suicide at the end. In our eyes both women are innocent and therefore should have a more logical resolution; perhaps one where they are recognized as innocent a hair sooner, and Martha and Karen resolve to a friendship. But I don't know that Martha's death was illogical. Even if Hellman made a taboo of her time into an example of a negative rumor, I think that the audience is made to feel sorry for Martha, and to see her as a human rather than a troubled lesbian. I think that this may be a logical resolution to a play where women are not only oppressed with a lie, but made to feel like criminals for their supposed sexuality. This play absolutely could still be performed today. I think that now it has more dimensions. There is a message about lying, societal views, and the conflict of friendship torn by affection. And, hey, we can't be too sensitive. If it makes someone mad, it sounds like good theatre to me.