Evening Dress Farce

About this book

"Evening Dress" by William Dean Howells is a comedic farce written during the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the mishaps and social obligations of the Roberts family, particularly focusing on the husband, Edward Roberts, who is urged to attend a musicale hosted by the demanding Mrs. Miller. The book humorously addresses themes of social etiquette, domestic responsibilities, and the chaos of evening engagements within the context of a society that places high value on appearances. The plot unfolds as Mrs. Roberts is determined to ensure her husband makes it to the musicale despite his exhaustion after a long night of travel. As chaos ensues with forgotten evening dress, the arrival of the couple's friends, and a series of comical attempts to find appropriate attire, the situation deteriorates into a whirlwind of misunderstandings and frantic efforts. Ultimately, the farce captures the essence of social expectations and the pressure to conform to them, all while maintaining a light-hearted and playful tone that reflects Howells' keen observation of American social life.