Synopsis
The Barretts of Wimpole Street
Published by Dramatists Play Service
5 Female
Her brothers and sisters are reconciled to their father's tyranny, but Elizabeth has in her a spark of rebellion. This is set off by the romantic young Robert Browning, who has known her through her poetry
He bursts upon the Barrett household and in the first scene with Elizabeth proclaims his deep love for her. When Elizabeth realizes that she is attracted to the young poet, the world becomes a different place
She sees that her father's solicitude is mere selfishness, and that she need not look forward to an invalid's life, deprived of all natural love and happiness. Robert inspires her with a desire to get away
His zest for life, and devotion to Elizabeth, bring the young woman to the point where she is ready to marry him and run away to Italy. Her father tries to keep her with him, but nothing prevails, and the lovers leave Wimpole Street to embark on their life together
One of the most famous plays of the modern theatre. The text is Katharine Cornell's prompt script