How closely does Machinal parallel the circumstances of the Ruth Snyder murder trial?
In 1928, theatre critics were divided over whether or not the play mirrored the events relating to Snyder, although some of the costume choices for the Broadway production, especially in the trial scene, attempted to link the two women. In a 1928 manuscript that pre-dates the production, Treadwell clearly indicates that the play was suggested by Snyder’s trial. The most insightful critical comparison of the circumstances of two women is an article by Jennifer Jones titled “In Defense of Women: Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal,” Modern Drama 37 (1994): 485-96. Ginger Strand has also written on the comparison of the play to the Snyder trial, both in “American Stages: Representation and the News Drama,” Diss. Princeton U, 1992: 103-48 and Treadwell’s Neologism: Machinal,” Theatre Journal 44(1992): 163-75. Information about the Snyder trial may be found in Ann Jones, Women Who Kill (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1980; rpt. Beacon P, 1996) and especially john Kobler, The Trial of Ruth Sn
Related Questions
- Pickton still faces another murder trial with 20 counts of first-degree murder. When can we expect that trial to take place?
- When will jury selection begin in the trial of Carlos Trujillo, accused in the murder of Andrew Kissel?
- How closely does Machinal parallel the circumstances of the Ruth Snyder murder trial?
