CRITICISM

Christiansen, Richard. “Donne, Long Death Bring Wit to Life.” Chicago Tribune (22 May 2001): Tempo 1.

Review of the Chicago production of Wit praising Edson for the humanist perspective presented in the play.

Daniels, Robert L. Review of Wit, by Margaret Edson. Variety 372, no. 7 (28 September 1998): 189.

Notes the interplay between “mythical logic and illusion” in Wit.

Franklin, Nancy. “Wit and Wisdom.” New Yorker 74, no. 42 (18 January 1999): 86-7.

Notes the intentional, visible structural seams in Wit, asserting that these seams reflect the manner in which Vivian both views and values existence.

Gordon, Suzanne. “Doctor's Brains.” The Nation 269, no. 4 (26 July 1999): 32-34.

Considers the role nurse Susie Monahan has within the play, contending that her role runs contrary to the stereotypical role and value placed on nurses in mainstream cultural media.

Harmsworth, Madeleine. Review of Wit, by Margaret Edson. British Medical Journal 320, no. 7229 (22 January 2000): 257.

Asserts that Wit functions as an indictment of the medical profession.

Hornby, Richard. “The Two August Wilsons.” Hudson Review 53, no. 2 (summer 2000): 297-98.

Provides a review of Wit lauding Edson for her positive portrayal of a college professor

Jago, Carol. “Death Be Not Proud.” English Journal 90, no. 1 (September 2000): 21-2.

Provides a review of the published version of Wit, drawing attention to the decision to juxtapose Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny with John Donne's Holy Sonnets.

Kent, Heather. “At Wit's End.” CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal 164, no. 6 (20 March 2001): 841.

Examines the way Edson depicts bedside manner in Wit.

Martini, Adrienne. “A Playwright in Spite of Herself.” American Theatre 16, no. 8 (October 1999): 22-5.

Provides a biographical portrait of Edson charting the evolution of Wit from a rough idea to its New York staging.

Sack, Kevin. “At Lunch with Margaret Edson: Colors, Numbers, Letters and John Donne.” New York Times (10 November 1998): E1, E3.

Provides an interview with Edson that notes how her life experiences informed the writing of Wit.

Shewey, Don. “When Death Comes Knocking.” Advocate, no. 774 (8 December 1998): 79-80.

Review of Wit commending the realistic portrayal of emotional crises facing cancer patients.

Taylor, Markland. Review of Wit, by Margaret Edson. Variety 369, no. 2 (17 November 1997): 77.

Review of Wit noting the playwright and lead actress's efforts, and how they compliment each other.

Zinman, Toby. “Illness as Metaphor.” American Theatre 16, no. 8 (October 1999): 25.

Brief review of Wit contending that John Donne would have approved of Edson's treatment of such issues as spirituality, love, and redemption in Wit.

Additional coverage of Edson's life and career is contained in the following sources published by Thomson Gale: Contemporary Authors, Vol. 190; Dictionary of Literary Biography, Vol. 266; Drama Criticism, Vol. 24; Drama for Students, Vol. 13; and Literature Resource Center.