86 pages 2 hours read

Edward Albee

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1962

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee centers on a tumultuous night between George, a professor, and his wife, Martha, after a university party. They host a younger couple, Nick and Honey, subjecting them to psychological games and revealing deep-seated resentments. The line blurs between illusion and reality, culminating in a dramatic climax that reveals painful truths about their lives. Sensitive topics include psychological manipulation and dysfunctional relationships.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is widely praised for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of marital dysfunction. Critics commend its emotional depth and dark humor, though some find its intensity overwhelming. Its powerful exploration of human vulnerability remains impactful, albeit challenging to digest.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf??

Fans of intense psychological drama and character-driven narratives will enjoy Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Readers intrigued by complex relationships akin to those in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman will find this play riveting. Ideal for those who appreciate theatrical literature.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Play: Drama

Classic Fiction

Education

Themes

Relationships: Marriage

Relationships: Family

Life/Time: Aging

Topics

Education

History: U.S.

History: World