Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour follows Martha and Karen, two women who open a girls' school together. Their lives unravel when a student, Mary, accuses them of having a romantic relationship, leading to scandal and loss. Despite suing for libel, they lose the case, and the fallout is devastating. The play was considered controversial for its sympathetic portrayal of same-sex attraction. The play addresses themes of false accusations and societal stigma surrounding same-sex relationships.

Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour is lauded for its intense emotional impact and bold exploration of taboo topics, particularly the ramifications of deceit. Critics praise Hellman's ability to build suspense and develop complex characters. However, some argue that the ending is too melodramatic and the dialogue occasionally feels dated. Overall, it remains a powerful and provocative play.

A reader who would enjoy The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman is likely to appreciate intense psychological dramas and themes of deceit and moral conflict. Fans of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams or The Crucible by Arthur Miller would find similar appeals in Hellman's play, with its exploration of the destructive power of lies and societal pressures.

Dark / Unnerving / Emotional / Mysterious / Challenging

- The Children's Hour premiered on Broadway at the Maxine Elliott Theatre in 1934 and ran for over two years, marking a significant success for playwright Lillian Hellman.
- The play was groundbreaking for its time, as it addressed themes of false accusations and the destructive power of lies, subjects that were controversial and rarely explored on stage during the 1930s.
- The Children's Hour was banned in several major cities, including Boston and Chicago, due to its provocative themes, which were deemed inappropriate by the standards of the time.

**Karen Wright**  
One of the headmistresses and founders of a girls' school, Karen is engaged to Dr. Joe Cardin and is characterized by her attractiveness, warmth, and patience with her students.

**Martha Dobie**  
Co-founder and headmistress of the school alongside Karen, Martha is a high-strung woman raised by her dramatic aunt, Mrs. Mortar, and is known for her emotional intensity.

**Mary Tilford**  
A spoiled and difficult fourteen-year-old student, Mary is known for her sullen expression and talent for manipulating others through her lies.

**Mrs. Lily Mortar**  
Martha's aunt and a former actress, Mrs. Mortar lives at the school and is known for her dramatic tendencies and selfish behavior.

**Mrs. Amelia Tilford**  
Mary's wealthy grandmother and Joe's aunt, Mrs. Tilford is a dignified woman who believes in the innocence of her granddaughter.

**Dr. Joseph Cardin**  
Karen's fiancé and Mary's cousin, Joe is a pleasant physician who loyally supports Karen and Martha.

**Rosalie Wells**  
A student at the school, Rosalie wears glasses and becomes entangled with Mary's deceit due to a secret she keeps.

**Peggy Rogers**  
One of Mary’s friends at school, Peggy is influenced by Mary despite her own tendency to follow rules and consider consequences.

**Evelyn Munn**  
A student and friend of Mary’s at school, Evelyn has a lisp and is not naturally mischievous.

**Agatha**  
The long-serving maid for the Tilford family, Agatha is wary of Mary's dishonesty but lacks the authority to intervene.

Lillian Hellman

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Children's Hour reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Children's Hour | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Children's Hour and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Children's Hour

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Children's Hour?

Reading Age

Book Details