3 Review(s)

The central plot follows Zoe as she navigates the social and racial tensions that define her existence. She is in love with George, a wealthy man who, despite his affection for her, is bound by the constraints of his class and society’s racial prejudices. The play addresses themes of racial injustice, the cruelty of slavery, and the tragic consequences of a society divided by race.Boucicault’s play was highly popular during its time for its emotional intensity, sensationalism, and social commentary, though it has been criticized for its portrayal of race and for reinforcing some of the racial stereotypes of the period. The Octoroon remains a significant work in the context of 19th-century American theatre for its exploration of the racial dynamics of the pre-Civil War South and its depiction of the stark realities of slavery.