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Cover of Answering the Phone: A Farce

Answering the Phone: A Farce

Written by Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances) Guptill

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DramaComedy playsTelephoneHousehold employees

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About this book

"Answering the Phone: A Farce" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a comedic play written in the early 20th century. This light-hearted farce revolves around the misunderstandings and misadventures that arise from a simple miscommunication regarding telephone etiquette in a home setting. The play captures the humorous elements of everyday life and the character dynamics that emerge in a domestic environment. The plot follows Mrs. Courtney and her daughter, Miss Eleanora Courtney, who leave their home with specific instructions for their new maid, Nora Flanagan, regarding how to handle phone calls while they are away. Nora, however, struggles to understand the purpose and function of the telephone, leading to a series of comical miscommunications. As Nora interacts with callers, she unwittingly engages with Miss Courtney's intended suitor, Reginald, resulting in a chaotic yet amusing mix-up. The play cleverly highlights themes of social class and communication while delivering a delightful commentary on early 20th-century domestic life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Answering the Phone: A Farce, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • beginner
  • humorous
  • light-hearted
  • comedic

Elizabeth F. Guptill's "Answering the Phone: A Farce" is a light-hearted early 20th-century play that humorously explores the chaos stemming from a new maid's inability to grasp telephone etiquette. When Mrs. Courtney and her daughter, Eleanora, leave their home, they entrust their new maid, Nora Flanagan, with specific instructions for handling phone calls. Nora's profound misunderstanding of the telephone's function leads to a series of comical miscommunications, particularly when she unknowingly interacts with Eleanora's suitor, Reginald. The play cleverly uses these domestic mishaps to comment on social class, the adoption of new technology, and the universal pitfalls of communication breakdown, delivering a delightful and witty theatrical experience.

“"Nora, the telephone is not a speaking tube for household gossip; it is a serious instrument!"”

Key themes

Miscommunication and Communication Breakdown
This is the central theme of the farce, highlighting how easily misunderstandings can arise, especially when different levels of knowledge and experience are involved. Nora's literal interpretation of instructions and her lack of understanding of the telephone's function lead to a complete breakdown in communication, resulting in comedic chaos. The play emphasizes that effective communication requires shared context and understanding, not just words.
Social Class and Etiquette
The play subtly explores the class dynamics of early 20th-century domestic life. Mrs. Courtney's expectations of proper telephone etiquette reflect her social standing, while Nora's struggles highlight the divide between the educated mistress and the uneducated maid. The humor often arises from the clash between these two worlds and the social faux pas that result from Nora's inability to navigate the upper-class environment's norms.
Technology Adoption and Modernity
The play uses the newly introduced telephone as a central element to comment on society's adaptation to new technologies. It humorously portrays the bewilderment and confusion that can accompany the introduction of a groundbreaking device into everyday life, especially for those unfamiliar with its underlying principles. It highlights the gap between those who embrace and understand new tech and those who struggle with it.

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