Our American Cousin
What is Our American Cousin about?
Our American Cousin (1858) is Tom Taylor’s comedy about an uncouth but good-hearted American who visits his aristocratic English relatives and upends their world with his directness and common sense. Asa Trenchard arrives at the English country estate expecting an inheritance, only to find the family in financial trouble. The play’s comedy arises from the clash between American plainness and English pretension. Though a popular Victorian comedy in its own right, Our American Cousin is forever associated with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was watching the play at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865.
Main themes in Our American Cousin
Anglo-American comedy
The presence of anglo-american comedy in Our American Cousin connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Victorian theater
Our American Cousin thoughtfully explores victorian theater through its central conflicts.
Lincoln assassination
Our American Cousin thoughtfully explores lincoln assassination through its central conflicts.
Culture clash
The presence of culture clash in Our American Cousin connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why Our American Cousin is still relevant today
Our American Cousin is historically significant both as a Victorian comedy and as the play being performed when Lincoln was assassinated. It offers a fascinating window into Anglo-American cultural relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Our American Cousin about?
A plain-spoken American visits his aristocratic English relatives, creating comic clashes between American directness and English pretension.
Why is Our American Cousin historically important?
It was being performed at Ford’s Theatre when President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865.
Is Our American Cousin still entertaining?
It is a light Victorian comedy with some dated humor, but its historical significance and cultural commentary make it worth reading.
Where can I read Our American Cousin free?
You can read the full text free on TextStack.