The Last of the De Mullins: A Play Without a Preface

"The Last of the De Mullins: A Play Without a Preface" by St. John Hankin is a theatrical drama set in the early 1900s that tells the story of the De Mullin family, focusing on Hugo De Mullin, who is dealing with declining health and a sense of lost legacy. The play explores family tensions, societal pressures, and the burdens of tradition through complex relationships such as the one between Hugo, his wife, and his relatives. The play starts by setting the scene in the De Mullin home, highlighting the family's worries about Hugo's health after he suffers a stroke, especially from his wife and sister. The dialogue reveals strained relationships, particularly with their daughter, Janet, who comes home with her son after a long absence, hinting at past conflicts and future troubles as they struggle with their social standing and family duties.