The Easiest Way Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911

"The Easiest Way" by Eugene Walter is a play set in the early 1900s, which follows Laura Murdock's experiences in the New York City theater scene and her complicated romance with John Madison, a newspaper man. This story looks at wanting more out of life, being willing to do almost anything to get it, and the challenges of finding true love while being stuck with choices from the past. At the beginning of the play, Laura is at a ranch in Colorado, talking with Willard Brockton from New York; during their talk, it becomes clear that Laura cares for John, but is aware that Brockton could give her a more carefree life. As the play starts, Laura seems to be struggling with what she wants: the idea of true love with John or the easier life with Brockton. As Laura longs for real love, the play moves into deeper ideas about trading personal values, making tough decisions, and setting up the main problem that Laura will have to deal with as the play goes on.