The Winslow Boy is primarily set in Arthur Winslow's house in Kensington, London, during the years 1913-1914.
This acclaimed play by Terence Rattigan unfolds almost entirely within the confines of the Winslow family's affluent home in the Kensington district of London. The chosen period, just on the cusp of World War I, is crucial to the narrative, highlighting a time of significant social and political change in Britain.
The play meticulously details the family's struggle for justice after their youngest son, Ronnie, is accused of stealing a postal order. The domestic setting serves as a microcosm for the larger societal issues of honor, duty, and the rigid class structure prevalent in Edwardian England. The drama vividly portrays the impact of the accusation and subsequent legal battle on the family's life, unfolding primarily in their drawing-room and other parts of their private residence.
Key Setting Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kensington, London |
| Primary Site | Arthur Winslow's house |
| Time Period | 1913-1914 |
Significance of the Setting
- Edwardian Society: The 1913-1914 timeframe places the play squarely in the final years of the Edwardian era, just before the outbreak of World War I. This period was characterized by strict social conventions, class consciousness, and a strong emphasis on reputation and honor.
- Kensington Affluence: The choice of Kensington, a well-to-do area of London, underscores the Winslow family's respectable middle-class standing. This status makes the accusation against Ronnie even more devastating, as it threatens their social standing and good name.
- Domestic Focus: By confining the action primarily to the Winslow home, Rattigan emphasizes the personal and emotional toll the legal battle takes on the family. The drawing-room, a symbol of domestic stability and social interaction, becomes a stage for intense drama and moral conflict.
- Legal System Backdrop: While the physical setting remains the home, the overarching conflict is rooted in the British legal system and the principle of habeas corpus, making the setting a symbolic battleground for justice against powerful institutions.
For more information on the play's historical context and themes, you can explore resources like Wikipedia's article on The Winslow Boy.
