38 pages 1 hour read

John Guare

Six Degrees of Separation

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1990

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare, wealthy couple Ouisa and Flan Kittredge are charmed and deceived by Paul, a young man who gains their trust by claiming to know their children and being the son of Sidney Poitier, eventually leading to shocking revelations about his true nature and actions. Themes include identity, deception, and societal connections. The play includes themes of deception, relationship dynamics, police brutality, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Guare's play Six Degrees of Separation expertly explores themes of identity, social status, and human connection through sharp dialogue and compelling character dynamics. Critics commend its witty and thought-provoking script but note that its focus on the elite may feel exclusive to some audiences. Overall, the play is praised for its intellectual depth and engaging narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Six Degrees of Separation?

A reader who enjoys Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare is likely captivated by intricate social dynamics and sharp-witted dialogue. Comparable to fans of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead or Yasmina Reza's Art, this audience appreciates sophisticated satire and the exploration of human connections.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

NP

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Genre

Education

American Literature

Drama / Tragedy

Topics

Education

History: World