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The Shelf
Paperback
ISBN13: 9781025986418
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 142
Weight: 0.46
Height: 0.30 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Shelf is a sophisticated and witty three-act comedy by Dorrance Davis, exploring the social anxieties and triumphs of the early 20th century. The play centers on a female protagonist who finds herself facing the dreaded label of being on the shelf-a term used to describe women deemed past their prime for marriage and social relevance according to the rigid standards of the era.
Set against a backdrop of high-society manners and expectations, the work explores themes of ageism, gender roles, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through sharp dialogue and clever situational humor, Davis critiques the narrow structures of his time while celebrating the charm and intelligence of a woman who refuses to be sidelined by convention. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist proves that vitality and personal agency are not dictated by the calendar, challenging the prejudices of her peers with grace and humor.
This work stands as a compelling example of American drawing-room comedy, offering a glimpse into the theatrical landscape that captivated audiences during the 1920s. The Shelf remains relevant for its exploration of social obsolescence and the timeless struggle to define one's own value regardless of societal pressure.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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