The Climbers A Play in Four Acts By: Clyde Fitch (1865-1909)
In Clyde Fitch's The Climbers, readers are transported into the luxurious world of New York's high society in the late 19th century. Through his intriguing characters and gripping storyline, Fitch sheds light on the façade and ruthlessness that often lies beneath the polished surface of the elite. Set in the extravagant Vanderbilt mansion, the play delves into the lives of the Vanderlynden family and their circle of ambitious acquaintances. From the very first act, Fitch's skillful characterization hooks us, making it impossible to look away from the cunning and manipulative social climbers that populate the stage. The dialogue is sharp and brilliantly exposes the characters' motives, as they navigate the intricate web of social climbing and deceit. One of the most captivating aspects of The Climbers is Fitch's exploration of the implications of wealth and social status. With her sharp observant eye, Fitch exposes the hollowness that often accompanies societal success, and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make in order to gain or maintain their status. Through the character of Mrs. Vanderlynden, Fitch challenges the notion that money and material possessions bring genuine happiness, exploring the emotional toll that being at the top of the social ladder can take on one's personal life. While the play is centered around the Vanderlynden family, Fitch introduces a secondary plotline involving a young lawyer, Raymond Dupont. Dupont serves as a counterpoint to the superficiality and moral ambiguity of the high society, providing a voice of reason and authenticity. His presence adds a layer of depth to the play, making it an even more evocative and thought-provoking piece of literature. Fitch's mastery of storytelling is evident throughout The Climbers as he expertly weaves together themes of ambition, love, and societal expectations. His vivid descriptions transport readers to the opulent world of the Vanderlyndens, vividly capturing the glamour and excess of the Gilded Age. Despite being written over a century ago, The Climbers remains relevant and engrossing. Fitch's exploration of human nature, social dynamics, and the desire for recognition resonate with modern readers. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers that lie in the relentless pursuit of social elevation and the sacrifices we may make along the way. The Climbers is a timeless play that captivates with its memorable characters, engaging dialogue, and incisive social commentary. Fitch's skillful storytelling and perceptive observations make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human ambition and the true cost of climbing to the top of society's ladder. First Page: THE CLIMBERS A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS By CLYDE FITCH NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 25 WEST 45th STREET LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. 26 SOUTHAMPTON ST. STRAND Reprinted by permission of Little, Brown & Co. COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This play is fully protected by the copyright law, all requirements of which have been complied with. In its present printed form it is dedicated to the reading public only, and no performance of it, either professional or amateur, may be given without the written permission of the owner of the acting rights, who may be addressed in care of the publishers, Little, Brown, and Company. TO CHARLES T. MATHEWS IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF HIS TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND LOYAL ENTHUSIASM FROM THE BEGINNING C.F. [Transcriber's Note: One character is listed as Dr. Steinart in the List of Characters, but Dr. Steinhart in the body of the play.] THE CLIMBERS ACT I. IN LATE WINTER. At the Hunters'. ACT II. THE FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS EVE. At the Sterlings'. ACT III. CHRISTMAS DAY. At the Hermitage, by the Bronx River. ACT IV. THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. At the Sterlings'. NEW YORK: TO DAY THE PEOPLE IN THE PLAY RICHARD STERLING... Continue reading book >>

The Climbers A Play in Four Acts By: Clyde Fitch (1865-1909)

In Clyde Fitch's The Climbers, readers are transported into the luxurious world of New York's high society in the late 19th century. Through his intriguing characters and gripping storyline, Fitch sheds light on the façade and ruthlessness that often lies beneath the polished surface of the elite.

Set in the extravagant Vanderbilt mansion, the play delves into the lives of the Vanderlynden family and their circle of ambitious acquaintances. From the very first act, Fitch's skillful characterization hooks us, making it impossible to look away from the cunning and manipulative social climbers that populate the stage. The dialogue is sharp and brilliantly exposes the characters' motives, as they navigate the intricate web of social climbing and deceit.

One of the most captivating aspects of The Climbers is Fitch's exploration of the implications of wealth and social status. With her sharp observant eye, Fitch exposes the hollowness that often accompanies societal success, and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make in order to gain or maintain their status. Through the character of Mrs. Vanderlynden, Fitch challenges the notion that money and material possessions bring genuine happiness, exploring the emotional toll that being at the top of the social ladder can take on one's personal life.

While the play is centered around the Vanderlynden family, Fitch introduces a secondary plotline involving a young lawyer, Raymond Dupont. Dupont serves as a counterpoint to the superficiality and moral ambiguity of the high society, providing a voice of reason and authenticity. His presence adds a layer of depth to the play, making it an even more evocative and thought-provoking piece of literature.

Fitch's mastery of storytelling is evident throughout The Climbers as he expertly weaves together themes of ambition, love, and societal expectations. His vivid descriptions transport readers to the opulent world of the Vanderlyndens, vividly capturing the glamour and excess of the Gilded Age.

Despite being written over a century ago, The Climbers remains relevant and engrossing. Fitch's exploration of human nature, social dynamics, and the desire for recognition resonate with modern readers. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers that lie in the relentless pursuit of social elevation and the sacrifices we may make along the way.

The Climbers is a timeless play that captivates with its memorable characters, engaging dialogue, and incisive social commentary. Fitch's skillful storytelling and perceptive observations make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human ambition and the true cost of climbing to the top of society's ladder.

First Page:

THE CLIMBERS A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS

By CLYDE FITCH

NEW YORK SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 25 WEST 45th STREET

LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. 26 SOUTHAMPTON ST. STRAND

Reprinted by permission of Little, Brown & Co.

This play is fully protected by the copyright law, all requirements of which have been complied with. In its present printed form it is dedicated to the reading public only, and no performance of it, either professional or amateur, may be given without the written permission of the owner of the acting rights, who may be addressed in care of the publishers, Little, Brown, and Company.

TO CHARLES T. MATHEWS

IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF HIS TRUE FRIENDSHIP AND LOYAL ENTHUSIASM FROM THE BEGINNING

C.F.

[Transcriber's Note: One character is listed as Dr. Steinart in the List of Characters, but Dr. Steinhart in the body of the play.]

THE CLIMBERS

ACT I. IN LATE WINTER. At the Hunters'.

ACT II. THE FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS EVE. At the Sterlings'.

ACT III. CHRISTMAS DAY. At the Hermitage, by the Bronx River.

ACT IV. THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. At the Sterlings'.

NEW YORK: TO DAY

THE PEOPLE IN THE PLAY

RICHARD STERLING... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Play

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Wikipedia – Clyde Fitch
Wikipedia – The Climbers A Play in Four Acts

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