In the following essay, Hughes argues against critics who find the design and plot of The Orphan to be disjointed, insisting that Otway skillfully created a work of deep psychological complexity and thematic unity.

In the following excerpt, Munns surveys critical interpretations of The Orphan and analyzes the impact of patriarchal power on familial relations and social degeneration in the play.

In the following essay, Taylor provides an overview of the plot and characters of The Orphan, gives a textual history of the play, and places the drama in the context of the political and social movements of the era.

In the following essay, Marshall proposes that confusion concerning the cohesiveness of The Orphan can be remedied if one views the tragedy as a plea for plain and direct communication between people and a warning about the frequency and magnitude of errors when they speak artfully and ambiguously.