31 pages 1 hour read

Marsha Norman

Night, Mother

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

’Night, Mother by Marsha Norman centers on the intense, real-time interaction between Thelma and her daughter, Jessie, who reveals her plan to commit suicide that evening. As Jessie organizes her affairs, Thelma desperately tries to dissuade her, leading to a candid discussion about their lives and struggles, ultimately culminating in an irrevocable act. Topics include depression and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Night, Mother by Marsha Norman is often praised for its compelling dialogue and raw emotional depth, capturing the complexities of familial relationships and mental health. Critics commend Norman's craftsmanship and the intense performances it elicits. However, some find the subject matter too bleak and its resolution lacking nuance. Ultimately, it's a powerful but polarizing drama.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Night, Mother?

A reader engrossed in intense familial dynamics and psychological drama would appreciate Marsha Norman's Night, Mother. Fans of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? or Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire will find similar themes of raw emotion and deep personal conflict.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Play: Drama

Drama / Tragedy

Education

Topics

Depression / Suicide

Relationships

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Life/Time: Aging