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Upgrade to ProThe Ride Down Mt. Morgan in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Lyman Felt
Theo
Leah
The Ride Down Mt. Morgan: A Cliff Notes Summary
Lymans Accident
Theos Ultimatum
Theos Decision
Leahs Realization
Lymans Reflection
The Aftermath
Lymans Redemption
Final Decision
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Play by Arthur Miller
- When: Written in the 1990s
- Who: Lyman Felt, Theo, Leah
- Theme: Betrayal, morality, and the consequences of one's actions
List of Characters in The Ride Down Mt. Morgan
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Lyman Felt
Lyman Felt is a successful businessman who finds himself in a complicated situation when his two wives, Leah and Bessie, discover each other's existence.
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Leah
Leah is Lyman's first wife, a loyal and devoted partner who is shocked to learn about Bessie.
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Bessie
Bessie is Lyman's second wife, a fiery and independent woman who refuses to be cast aside.
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The Doctor
The Doctor is a medical professional who becomes entangled in Lyman's personal drama.
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The Lawyer
The Lawyer is a legal expert who helps Lyman navigate the legal consequences of his actions.
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The Nurse
The Nurse is a caring and compassionate healthcare provider who offers support to the characters during their time of need.
Timeline of The Ride Down Mt. Morgan
Lyman Felt, a successful middle-aged insurance executive, gets into a car accident while driving down Mount Morgan.
Lyman wakes up in a hospital bed and is visited by his wife, Theo, and his mistress, Leah.
Lyman's two wives, Theo and Leah, meet each other for the first time at the hospital.
Lyman's daughter, Bessie, arrives at the hospital and expresses her anger towards her father for his infidelity.
Lyman's lawyer, Tom, visits him in the hospital and advises him on the legal consequences of his actions.
Lyman's friend, Charles, visits him at the hospital and encourages him to be honest with himself and those around him.
While recovering at home, Lyman is visited by his daughter, Bessie, who confronts him about his multiple marriages.
Lyman recalls his past relationships with both Theo and Leah, reflecting on his choices and the consequences they have had.
Lyman confesses to Theo that he loves both her and Leah and believes he can be a good husband to both of them.
Leah visits Lyman at his home and expresses her desire to continue their relationship despite his marriage to Theo.
Lyman attends a hearing in court and is confronted by both Theo and Leah, who demand answers about his intentions and his love for them.
Lyman's lawyer, Tom, argues his case in court, trying to convince the judge that Lyman should not be held accountable for bigamy.
The judge rules that Lyman must choose between Theo and Leah, and he decides to stay married to Theo.
Lyman visits Leah at her apartment and breaks the news to her, ending their relationship.
Lyman's daughter, Bessie, confronts him once again and expresses her disappointment in his actions and his lack of consideration for others.
Lyman reflects on his life and the choices he has made, questioning whether he has truly learned from his mistakes.
Vocabulary List
- Bigamy
- The protagonist, Lyman Felt, is a bigamist, having two wives at the same time.
- Betrayal
- Lyman's actions of deception and betrayal towards his wives are central themes in the play.
- Morality
- The play raises questions about societal norms and morality surrounding relationships and fidelity.
- Consequence
- Lyman must face the consequences of his actions as his two wives discover the truth about his double life.
- Truth
- The search for truth and honesty in relationships is a key element in the plot of the play.
- Loyalty
- The conflicting loyalties between Lyman and his two wives drive much of the drama in the play.
- Deception
- Lyman's web of lies and deception eventually unravels, leading to the climax of the play.
- Justice
- Questions of justice and fairness arise as the characters grapple with the fallout of Lyman's actions.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- - The Ride Down Mt. Morgan is a play written by Arthur Miller.
- - The play premiered in London in 1991 and later had its Broadway debut in 2000.
- - The protagonist of the play is Lyman Felt, a successful middle-aged insurance broker.
- - Lyman is married to two women simultaneously, Theo and Leah, who are unaware of each other's existence.
- - The play explores themes of love, fidelity, and the consequences of deceit.
- - Lyman's accident while driving down Mt. Morgan leads to the discovery of his double life.
- - The play alternates between flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal Lyman's past and present.
- - Lyman's two wives have contrasting personalities and backgrounds.
- - Theo is a prim and proper New Englander, while Leah is a free-spirited, independent artist.
- - The play delves into the complexities of Lyman's relationships with both women and his struggle to justify his actions.
- - Lyman's accident prompts him to reflect on his life choices and question his own morality.
- - The play raises questions about the nature of monogamy and the meaning of love and commitment.
- - Lyman's insurance company career is threatened when his double life is exposed publicly.
- - The play delves into the consequences of one's actions and the impact on personal and professional life.
- - The Ride Down Mt. Morgan explores societal expectations and the hypocrisy surrounding fidelity.
- - Arthur Miller was inspired to write the play after hearing about a real-life bigamist's story.
- - The play received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its exploration of moral ambiguity.
- - The Ride Down Mt. Morgan was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Play.
- - The play was revived on Broadway in 2000 and received a film adaptation in 1999.
- - The Ride Down Mt. Morgan remains a thought-provoking exploration of love, marriage, and personal responsibility.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
‘The Ride Down Mt. Morgan’ by Arthur Miller has had a significant impact on literature, particularly in the realm of American drama. The play’s exploration of morality, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships has influenced countless playwrights and continues to be studied in academic settings.
Enduring Themes
The timeless themes of love, power, and the consequences of one’s actions in ‘The Ride Down Mt. Morgan’ still resonate with modern audiences. The play delves into the complexities of human nature and the choices individuals make, making it a thought-provoking piece that continues to spark discussions on morality and personal responsibility.
Cultural Significance Today
Arthur Miller’s ‘The Ride Down Mt. Morgan’ remains culturally significant today for its exploration of marriage, fidelity, and the pursuit of happiness. The play has been adapted for various productions and continues to be a staple in the theatrical world, showcasing Miller’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century.
The Ride Down Mt. Morgan Games
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