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Cover of Lifted Masks; stories

Lifted Masks; stories

Written by Susan Glaspell

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United States

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About this book

"Lifted Masks" by Susan Glaspell is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of identity, gender roles, and societal expectations, often intertwining the personal lives of its characters with broader social issues. Through its varied narratives, Glaspell invites readers to question the facades that individuals maintain in society and the reasons behind such pretenses. At the start of "Lifted Masks," the story "One of Those Impossible Americans" introduces us to Virginia, a young American woman in Paris wrestling with her cultural identity while navigating interactions with both locals and fellow countrymen. Her encounter with a burly American man, William P. Johnson, unveils a delicate balance of pride and embarrassment as Virginia attempts to maintain her composure amidst cultural stereotypes. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of themes such as national pride and personal connections, as Virginia finds herself both amused by and sympathetic toward William's struggles with shopping in a foreign land. This initial exchange hints at their evolving relationship and underscores the complexity of human connections across cultural divides.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Lifted Masks; stories, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Introspective
  • Thought-provoking
  • Subtle

Susan Glaspell's "Lifted Masks" is a compelling collection of early 20th-century short stories that delves into the intricate relationship between individual identity and societal pressures. Through varied narratives, Glaspell masterfully explores how characters navigate expectations, gender roles, and cultural divides, often revealing the hidden pretenses people maintain to conform or survive. The stories invite readers to peer behind these 'lifted masks,' exposing the inner lives and struggles of individuals grappling with authenticity and belonging. From American expatriates in Paris to those confronting domestic or social constraints, the collection offers a nuanced look at the human quest for self-realization in a rapidly changing world.

“"It was not enough to be American; one had to be the *right kind* of American, especially in Paris."”

Key themes

Identity and Authenticity
This central theme explores the struggle of characters to define themselves, often in opposition to or in negotiation with societal expectations. It delves into the difference between one's true self and the 'masks' worn for social acceptance, examining the personal cost of pretense and the journey towards self-acceptance. The stories question what it means to be genuine in a world that often rewards conformity.
Gender Roles and Societal Expectations
Glaspell, writing in a period of significant change for women, critically examines the restrictive gender roles imposed upon her female characters. The stories highlight the pressure on women to conform to expectations of domesticity, marriage, and 'ladylike' behavior, often at the expense of their personal ambitions, intellectual pursuits, or emotional well-being. The theme explores the quiet rebellion and internal conflicts arising from these constraints.
Cultural Identity and Misunderstanding
This theme explores the complexities of national and cultural identity, particularly when characters find themselves in foreign environments. It examines the stereotypes people hold about other cultures (and their own), the challenges of cultural assimilation, and the potential for both conflict and connection across cultural divides. The theme often highlights the humor and pathos born from cultural misunderstandings.

Worth discussing

How do the 'masks' in the stories function? What roles do they play for the characters, and what are the consequences of wearing them?

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