Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee: Book Cover

    Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee

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    (Mass Market Paperback - Reissue)

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    • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
    • Pub. Date: March 1983
    • ISBN-13: 9780451158710
    • Sales Rank: 18,904
    • 256pp
    • Edition Description: Reissue
     
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    Synopsis

    George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple—an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride—to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive the charade begins. The drinks flow and suddenly inhibitions melt. It becomes clear that Martha is determined to seduce the young professor, and George couldn't care less. But underneath the edgy banter, which is crossfired between both couples, lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair. George and Martha's inhuman bitterness toward one another is provoked by the enormous personal sadness that they have pledged to keep to themselves: a secret that has seemingly been the foundation for their relationship. In the end, the mystery in which the distressed George and Martha have taken refuge is exposed, once and for all revealing the degrading mess they have made of their lives.

    Women's Wear Daily

    ...a scorching, scalding, revealing and completely engrossing drama.

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    Biography

    Edward Albee has received three Pulitzer Prizes for drama, 1980's Gold Medal in Drama, 1996's Kennedy Center Honors, 1996's National Medal of Arts, the 1961 and 2000 Tony Awards for best play, and 2005's Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    Customer Reviews

    A classic playby Anonymous

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    September 05, 2004: Plunged into a world of accusations, dishonesty, and pain, Edward Albee?s ?Who?s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?? paints a story of a harsh, problematic couple and their encounters with a seemingly perfect young pair. Set in the house of Martha and George on a college campus, Nick and Honey are innocently invited over after a party. Unfortunately, they are ignorant of the woes and anguish of the George and Martha relationship. They are shocked and almost disgusted by the devastatingly hurtful way Martha and George treat each other. Throughout the novel the reader is subjected to an all too realistic modern world where relationships are full of hate and spite, and are familiarized with the virtues that have been lost for decades. Ironically, one could leave feeling better about one?s own relationships after the feeling of alarm when reading about George and Martha?s. Apparently getting a sick enjoyment out of vehemently hurting and maddening the other, George and Martha have serious problems with their marriage. Their anger is fueled further it seems by Nick and Honey?s visit, who are ostensibly the proper, perfect pair. Nick and Honey are uncomfortable with the situation at first, until Honey gets drunk and Nick begins to flirt with Martha. George acerbates his wife to the point of where Martha?s threats to be unfaithful with Nick are finally realized. In return, George fabricates a lie, knowing it will hurt Martha to the point of an emotional breakdown. Their marriage represented many all too real aspects of modern culture. Benevolence, respect, and sympathy are all merits that have been lost in today?s society. Yet, at the same time, Albee created a parallel where it was obvious they were in love as well, especially at the end. It was evident that while George and Martha indubitably weren?t happy with the marriage, both were afraid of never finding happiness without the other. But by playing revenge and purposely tormenting each other, George and Martha seem to only further distance themselves from their spouse. ?Who?s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?? will always be a testament to how much society has changed, and gives a realistic insight into the lives of a married couple. While reading one realizes the rare virtues that should be kept and treasured and this is why the play has become a valuable classic.

    WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF IS A CLASSICby Anonymous

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    July 29, 2004: This is an extrodinary booik and a film, I find this book oustanding and a marvelous piece of film writing!


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