Torch Song Trilogy Criticism

This Study Guide consists of approximately 48 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Torch Song Trilogy.

Torch Song Trilogy Criticism

This Study Guide consists of approximately 48 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Torch Song Trilogy.
This section contains 676 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy the Torch Song Trilogy Study Guide

Reviews for Torch Song Trilogy were generally positive with most of the negative commentary focusing on the play's considerable length (four hours). In his review for the New York Times, Mel Gussow called Fierstein's play an "illuminating portrait of a man who laughs, and makes us laugh, to keep from collapsing." Fierstein's portrayal of Arnold (while other actors have assumed the role, the playwright is the actor most closely associated with Arnold) is often cited by reviewers as the centerpiece of the play. Gussow echoed this sentiment, equating Arnold and Fierstein as a single person. Gussow noted that he found himself "enjoying Arnold's wit—he has the pithy humor of a Fran Lebowitz—at the same time I was moved by his dilemma. He is a man of principle who compulsively plays the fool."

Gussow also observed that "the author is so accomplished at playing Arnold...

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This section contains 676 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy the Torch Song Trilogy Study Guide
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Torch Song Trilogy from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.