Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: The Moth and the Flame

Clyde Fitch’s “The Moth and the Flame” opens in a lively New York drawing‑room where the sharp‑tongued heroine, Evelyn, finds herself caught between the steady, respectable Mr. Whitman and the charismatic, reckless artist, Julian. Their contrasting charms spark witty repartee and a subtle critique of the social expectations that bind women of the era. As the evening unfolds, Evelyn’s inner conflict mirrors the broader tension between duty and desire that defines much of Fitch’s work.

The play’s dialogue crackles with the humor and observation that made Fitch a favorite of turn‑of‑the‑century audiences, while the setting captures the glittering yet precarious world of upper‑middle‑class society. Listeners will be drawn into Evelyn’s flirtations, the nuanced power plays among the characters, and the ever‑present question: will the moth be consumed by the flame, or find a safer glow? The first act sets the stage for a clever, emotionally resonant drama that balances romance with incisive social commentary.