35 pages 1 hour read

Sarah Ruhl

In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2009

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Essay Topics

1.

Research the medical practice of using sexual stimulation to treat the antiquated diagnosis of hysteria in women. Do you think the play represents this practice accurately? Why or why not? What statement does the play make about the subject?

2.

After Sabrina and Annie kiss, Sabrina tells Annie that they can’t see each other again and leaves. What do you think happens next for Sabrina? Why? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

3.

When Elizabeth quits, Catherine says that she understands why her husband wouldn’t want her to stay, and Elizabeth tells Catherine that she doesn’t understand. What do you think this means? Why do you think Elizabeth doesn’t believe Catherine can understand?