86 pages • 2 hours read
Edward AlbeeWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1962A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee centers on a tumultuous night between George, a professor, and his wife, Martha, after a university party. They host a younger couple, Nick and Honey, subjecting them to psychological games and revealing deep-seated resentments. The line blurs between illusion and reality, culminating in a dramatic climax that reveals painful truths about their lives. Sensitive topics include psychological manipulation and dysfunctional relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is widely praised for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of marital dysfunction. Critics commend its emotional depth and dark humor, though some find its intensity overwhelming. Its powerful exploration of human vulnerability remains impactful, albeit challenging to digest.
Who Should Read Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf??
Fans of intense psychological drama and character-driven narratives will enjoy Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Readers intrigued by complex relationships akin to those in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman will find this play riveting. Ideal for those who appreciate theatrical literature.