The Instrument by Laurence Housman
"The Instrument" by Laurence Housman is a dramatic work set in Washington on March 4th, 1921, the day of the inauguration of a new U.S. President. The play features Woodrow Wilson, the ex-President, and his secretary, Mr. Tumulty, as they reflect on Wilson's presidency and the aftermath of World War I. The setting is a sitting-room with a view of Washington, symbolizing the transition from power to retirement. The play opens with Wilson expressing his weariness and resignation after leaving office. Tumulty engages him in a conversation about the new President, Harding, and the political climate. Wilson reflects on his presidency, acknowledging his failures, particularly in securing the loyalty and cooperation of those who disagreed with him. He discusses his experiences at the Paris Peace Conference and the challenges he faced in advocating for a just peace. Wilson laments the lack of support from the Senate and the American people, which he believes contributed to his inability to achieve his goals. Throughout the play, Wilson grapples with the moral and ethical implications of his decisions, particularly regarding the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. He questions whether he should have been more honest about his failures and whether his compromises were justified to secure the Covenant of the League of Nations. Tumulty offers support, but Wilson remains uncertain about the righteousness of his actions. The play explores themes of leadership, failure, and the complexities of political decision-making. Wilson's introspection reveals his struggle with the burden of leadership and the consequences of his choices. The presence of a "Gracious Presence," likely representing Wilson's wife, adds a personal dimension to the narrative, emphasizing the human aspect of political life. In the end, Wilson expresses hope that the League of Nations will eventually succeed, despite his doubts and the challenges it faces. The play concludes with a phone call from the new President, symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the enduring nature of political institutions. "The Instrument" is a poignant reflection on the legacy of a leader and the enduring quest for peace and justice in a complex world.
By Laurence Housman · Genre: Political drama, Historical drama, One-act play · 7,600 words
First lines
Dramatis Persone WOODROW WILSON (_Ex-President of the United States of America_). MR. TUMULTY (_His Secretary_). A GRACIOUS PRESENCE. AN ATTENDANT.
SCENE: _Washington. March 4th, 1921._
What this Textopian page supports
The Instrument is listed on Textopian as a play by Laurence Housman, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Laurence Housman
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Political drama, Historical drama, One-act play, Biographical drama, Psychological drama
- Length: 7,600 words
- Structure: 1 section, 118 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Instrument by Laurence Housman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Instrument?
- How does this play by Laurence Housman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political drama first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Political drama — The play centers on Woodrow Wilson's departure from office, his failed campaign for U.S. participation in the League of Nations, and his critique of diplomacy, party politics, public opinion, and international power.
- Historical drama — Set in Washington on March 4, 1921, it dramatizes a recognizable historical figure and directly engages with the aftermath of World War I, the Versailles settlement, and the League of Nations Covenant.
- One-act play — The work is constructed as a single continuous scene in one room, relying on an extended dialogue between Wilson and Joseph Tumulty, interrupted only by attendants and Wilson's wife.
- Biographical drama — Its dramatic action explores a late, private moment in Wilson's public life, presenting his physical decline, political disappointments, convictions, regrets, and self-scrutiny.
Tags
Edwardian fiction · British literature · English novel · literary fiction · early twentieth-century fiction · social realism · psychological fiction · character study · moral conflict · religion · spirituality · conscience