Sweet and Twenty by Floyd Dell
Author Introduction
Floyd Dell (1887–1969) was an American novelist, playwright, and critic. He was associated with the Greenwich Village Bohemian movement. His works often deal with the themes of love, modernity, and social critique. They reflect his progressive views on relationships and societal norms. His play Sweet and Twenty showcases his humor, insight, and interest in the complexities of human relationships.
The First Meeting
The plot of Sweet and Twenty revolves around Helen and George. The two young individuals meet by chance in a cherry orchard. They are in the process of purchasing the same property. First, they assume each other to be married. Soon, they discover the truth. Despite their initial attraction, they logically explore their compatibility in a relationship. During their discussion, they realize that they had met the previous day in the real estate agent’s office. The agent discloses that the meeting was planned by Helen’s uncle Mr Egerton and George’s aunt Miss Maria Brook so that they can fall in love with each other and get married.
The Two Opposing Personalities
George declares that he is a socialist, but she is not. Helen enjoys dancing but he does not, and has no interest in learning. Helen is portrayed as rational and independent, while George embodies impulsive romanticism. Their discussion on marriage makes them realize that they cannot get along. Ultimately, they decide they cannot be married with these differences, they try to say goodbye.
The Story of Two Unhappy Marriages
Helen narrates the story of two unhappy marriages related to the house and the cherry orchard. Two Unhappy Marriages: The man who built this house was in love with a girl. He was building it for her--as a surprise. But he did not mention to her that he was in love with her. So, she married another man, though she was really in love with him. The news came just when he had finished the house. With a broken heart, he eventually married some one else. They lived here for ten years--most unhappily. Then they went abroad, and the house was sold. It was bought by the husband of the girl he had been in love with. They lived here till they died-hating each other.
Next, she says that this orchard was here before the house. It was part of an old farm. Once, the unhappy lovers stopped here, while they were out driving, They asked for something to eat. The farmer's wife was busy, but she gave them each a glass of milk, and told them they could eat all the cherries they wanted. So they picked a hatful of cherries, and ate them. And then he fell in love with her. These stories point out the different dimensions of modern marriages.
Opinion on Marriage
The conversation between the couple highlights the opinion of the younger generation on the institution of marriage. George claims, “If we married we might be happy for a month”. The real estate agent shares his opinion about the institution of marriage and the nature of love. Marriage is an “arrangement devised by the Devil himself for driving all the love out of the hearts of lovers.” It is devil’s own trap. Marriage is the nest building instinct. Marriage is a small nest where there is no room for disagreement. When there is disagreement, the home will be a little hell. The agent encourages them to have an intimate relationship outside the institution of marriage so that they can ensure peaceful life.
The Surprise
At the end of the play, it is revealed that the agent is an escaped lunatic and a bigamist. He happened to marry fourteen women and every one of them had claimed that he was an “ideal husband.” He humorously critiques the institution of marriage. Finally, Helen and George decide to marry, despite their earlier hesitations. The play ends with Helen’s claim that she requires the sunny south room for nursery against his wish of a study room. Thus, they start their inevitable quarrel even before their marriage.
Conclusion
Written during a period of significant social change, Floyd Dell’s Sweet and Twenty questions the compatibility of modern love with conventional institutions like marriage. Through humor and satire, Dell challenges the idea that love must conform to rigid structures.
Video Lesson:
https://youtu.be/gmMA43ha2wA
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