"Lifted Masks: Stories" by Susan Glaspell delves into Midwestern life through a collection of character-driven narratives. Glaspell, a prominent figure in American literature and a pioneer among women authors, employs short stories to explore the complexities of gender roles and domestic life in Rural America. With feminist undertones, Glaspell's tales offer a deep psychological depth, uncovering the masks individuals wear to conform to societal expectations. Through realistic portrayals, she delivers incisive social commentary on the struggles faced by women in the early 20th century. Within these narratives, Glaspell unveils the intricacies of Midwestern society, shedding light on the realities of life in rural communities. Her stories are marked by a profound realism that captures the essence of human experience. Readers are invited to engage in literary analysis, unraveling the layers of meaning woven into each narrative. Through her exploration of lifted masks, Glaspell challenges conventional norms and prompts reflection on the complexities of identity and societal expectations.
Susan Glaspell, an American dramatist, writer, journalist, and actress, lived from 1876 until 1948. She was raised in Iowa, went to Drake University, and then became a reporter for the Des Moines Daily News. Later, she relocated to New York City and started creating plays. She rose to prominence with the Provincetown Players, an avant-garde ensemble of authors and artists who presented experimental plays in Greenwich Village. Gender and social justice were frequent themes in Glaspell's plays. "Trifles" (1916), a one-act drama that examines the life of rural women in the Midwest and the violence that may develop in a patriarchal culture, is her most well-known work. Other noteworthy plays include "The Verge" (1921), which is about a woman's battle for artistic expression in an oppressive society, and "Inheritors" (1921), which is about the disagreements between a rich family over inheritance. In 1931, she won the Pulitzer Prize for theater for her play "Alison's House." Glaspell was a political activist and a supporter of women's rights in addition to her literary profession. She participated in a number of causes, such as the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and was a member of the Heterodoxy Club, a feminist organization in Greenwich Village. 1948 saw the passing of Glaspell in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
