Analysis
Preston Jones's plays stand out for their profound focus on character over plot, the poetic nature of everyday dialogue, and recurring themes centered around the passage of time. His characters, often marginalized and labeled as failures, however, possess an inherent strength and depth, revealing the playwright's empathetic exploration of humanity. Although his plots may lack complexity, his language and character development have cemented his place as a significant figure in American theater.
Character Over Plot
Jones's plays are characterized by a remarkable ability to delve deep into character rather than plot. Much like the works of Chekhov, his plays often forgo dramatic tension, prioritizing the authenticity of human experience. The realism in his dialogue captures the idiosyncratic and rhythmic nature of everyday language, which, despite its often coarse exterior, resonates with a poetic quality. This dialogue is the main vehicle for developing his characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the struggles and idiosyncrasies of ordinary people.
Exploring Universal Themes
Central to Jones's work are the themes of time, loneliness, and the fear of failure. His characters, typically depicted as lonely and isolated, grapple with the relentless passage of time and the changes it brings. These themes are explored through the lens of characters who, by conventional standards, might be seen as failures, yet they embody a resilience and emotional richness that transcend their circumstances. This exploration is consistently rendered with a balance of humor and empathy, drawing audiences into a shared understanding of human frailty and strength.
A New Force in American Theater
Jones's plays have contributed significantly to the recognition of regional theaters and playwrights, establishing him as an influential force in American theater. Despite some criticisms of plot thinness and an overreliance on Southwestern settings, the strength of his characters and the poetic realism of his dialogue have earned him acclaim. His works are deeply rooted in the life and culture of the American Southwest but manage to address broader, universally relevant human issues.
A Texas Trilogy
Jones's most renowned work, A Texas Trilogy, comprises three plays: The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia, Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander, and The Oldest Living Graduate. Unlike conventional trilogies, these plays are unified not by continuous events but by their setting, characters, and thematic concerns. Each play stands independently yet addresses the interconnected themes of personal failure, isolation, and the inexorable passage of time.
The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia
The first in the trilogy, The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia, unfolds in the context of a social lodge meeting. The simplicity of the plot contrasts with the complex social dynamics it explores, as the lodge's outdated ideals of white supremacy and patriotism clash with the social upheavals of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Despite their ignorance and bigotry, the characters are portrayed with sympathy, highlighting their need for community and companionship.
Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander
This play shifts focus to an individual character, Lu Ann, tracing her journey from a hopeful cheerleader to a woman shaped by life's trials. Over twenty years, Lu Ann endures divorce, her brother's alcoholism, and her mother's illness, emerging with a quiet dignity and resilience. The character of Skip, Lu Ann's brother, serves as a counterpoint, illustrating a decline into dependency and highlighting the contrasts in their respective responses to life's challenges.
The Oldest Living Graduate
The trilogy concludes with The Oldest Living Graduate , centering on Colonel Kinkaid, whose values and attitudes are relics of the past. His conflict with his son, a modern...
(This entire section contains 845 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
businessman, reflects broader generational tensions. The play deftly balances humor with a poignant exploration of outdated values and the relentless march of time. Through Colonel Kinkaid's dialogue, Jones achieves a lyrical quality, elevating the drama to new poetic heights.
Integration of A Texas Trilogy
While each play in A Texas Trilogy is self-contained, they have been performed together, revealing deeper connections and narrative continuity. This combined production illuminates the intricate interweaving of characters and themes, enhancing the realism and depth of Bradleyville and its inhabitants. The trilogy draws parallels between characters like Lu Ann and Colonel Kinkaid, underscoring their contrasting yet complementary life journeys.
Later Works: A Place on the Magdalena Flats and Santa Fe Sunshine
Jones's subsequent works, such as A Place on the Magdalena Flats, continue to exhibit his characteristic focus on character and dialogue. Although not as successful as the trilogy, they retain the thematic and linguistic richness that defines his style. Santa Fe Sunshine and Juneteenth showcase Jones’s venture into comedy, albeit with varying degrees of depth and success.
Remember: A Departure and Return
Jones’s final play, Remember, introduces autobiographical elements, reflecting a more introspective phase in his writing. The play's setting remains in the Southwest, but the characters, notably more educated and introspective, allow for a richer tapestry of literary allusion and metaphor. This shift in character complexity and the resulting depth of dialogue mark Remember as one of Jones’s most accomplished works, distinguished by its blend of thematic exploration and poetic expression.