Analytical Study of Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour : Teacher-Pupil Incongruity
Prof. Hamid Hammad Abed (PhD)
University of Anbar/ Centre of Strategic Studies
Despite writing only twelve plays, Lillian Hellman is a principal voice in the American theatre. She is a famous American playwright who has outlined her position in the male dominated society. In her plays, Hellman employs a profound and rational view that binds husband and wife, brother and sister, mother and child, teacher and pupil. Having a sharp insight, enables her to create strong female characters during a time when the American theatre tended to concentrate only on males. Hellman has formulated her dramas cautiously, tackling social matters that reflect her aptitude to present characters who are able to improve themselves through the development of the action. Thus, the aim of this study is to scrutinize the actual causes which generate the incongruity between the two female teachers and a pupil.
In her writings, Hellman gives women a lion -share in exposing their vices and virtues liberally. A strong moral resentment is so obvious in Hellman's plays, which has sometimes overshadowed the fact that she is a highly skilled technician. Hellman is viewed as the predecessor of the southern contemporary women dramatists. This is evident in her attempts to ridicule the south, as well as the nation. Her intention is not only to entertain an audience, to win celebrity, or to make wealth. Hellman writes to tell both man and woman about the effects of ignorance and wrong thinking.
In most of her plays, the American woman has been portrayed as a harsh individual in a male-dominated society. Consequently, Hellman's plays are best known for probing social and psychological concerns, including the various manifestations of evil. Having a penetrating insight enables her to create tough female characters during a time when American theatre tended to concentrate on men. The term incongruity between the female teachers and pupils is outlined to expose the causes of enmity and hatred among the individuals. In The Children’s Hour, Hellman has experienced a variety of individuals from different gender and age to exhibit the act of incongruity which undermines the strong social ties. Instead of establishing a working relationship between teacher and pupils, the trivial conflict may lead to use physical force or humiliating words.
The term incongruity in this play takes a form of dishonesty which develops to be a dangerous problem. The implied conflict between the maturely female teachers and pupil stimulated the latter to seek revenge out of hatred and anger. Therefore, the child's abuse by the teachers particularly when Mary is separated and confined in an isolated room, instills the seed of hatred and unfriendliness. More drastically, the interference of Mary's grandmother, Mrs. Tilford who swiftly trusts the child's story. An unexpected reaction of a child has created a sort of shock not only to the teachers but to the audience too.