Literary Analysis Of Catherine Donohue's 'These Shining Lives'

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These Shining Lives Analysis Storyline These Shining Lives chronicles the true story of Catherine Donohue and three other of the other women who worked in the Radium Dial factory during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Despite the women being knowingly mistreated and their health dismissed by the management, they refuse to let the company get away with this injustice and go to the courts. While the fight goes on, the friendship between the women remains strong and Catherine eventually wins her case. Theme The theme of this play is centered around time; the value of the little time we have been given and how that time should be used to live for what is right and what truly matters. Exposition Most of the exposition happens in the beginning of the play. On pages 10 and 11 the women “set the stage” for us. First, Catherine tells us about herself. “I live in Ottawa, Illinois,” she says, and “I have two children that I love. I have a husband that I love.” Next a slide comes up reading “Chicago in the Gilded Age, The Roaring ‘20’s.” Then Frances, Charlotte and Pearl tell us about important people and events of the time. “Mayor “Big Bill” Thompson is running the city,” says Frances. Charlotte adds “So are Johnny Tori and Al Capone.” Later we hear about the Radium Dial Company and its history. On page 12 Catherine and Tom discuss Catherine’s new job. …show more content…

At the beginning of the show Charlotte does not like Catherine. Catherine even confronts her about it on page 22 when the girls are making plans to go out and get ice cream. Charlotte makes excuses so she can avoid going out. However, Catherine tells her, “You don't have plans. You just don't want to go out with me.” Catherine is determined to win her co-worker over. “You're gonna like me yet, Charlotte Purcell,” she remarks. By the end of the show, many years later in the play time, Charlotte has changed her mind. “Catherine Donohue….You're my hero.” she says on page

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