The Belle of Amherst | Themes

The Belle of Amherst Themes

Fantasy vs. Reality

The most prominent theme in this play is that of fantasy versus reality. Emily's is the only voice the audience hears throughout the play. Emily, however, is not very reliable as a teller of history. She recounts stories of her past and tales of her family, but each is slanted from her own perception.

Several times throughout the play, the audience is left to wonder whether Emily is relating fact or her translation of it. She openly admits to giving the villagers false impressions of herself for her own amusement. There is nothing to suggest that she isn't doing the same to the audience. She describes herself as shy and retiring, but tells stories of her own daring. She says that she, the shy and guarded Emily, read every objectionable part of Shakespeare aloud to her classmates simply to defy her teacher. She runs to hide from her neighbors, but...
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