Why Was Machinal Written?

Sophie Treadwell wrote the play based loosely on the murder trial of Ruth Snyder and her lover, Judd Gray, who together murdered Snyder's husband. Convicted of murdering her husband, Snyder later received the electric chair. Out of this event came the powerful, demanding drama, Machinal.

Why is Machinal important?

Machinal represents an important message about being true to oneself, making thoughtful life choices and learning from one's mistakes.

What is the theme of Machinal?

Machinal is a play inundated by machines. The constant presence of mechanical sounds and industrialized landscapes shapes Helen's life into an existence ruled by isolation, monotony, and anxiety.