Phases of an Inferior Planet

"Phases of an Inferior Planet" by Ellen Glasgow is a story about a young woman named Mariana Musin, who dreams of singing opera in New York City during the late 1800s. The story shows Mariana trying to become a singer while struggling with what society expects, what she wants for herself, and what it means to find her identity as an artist. As the story starts, readers see the busy streets of Broadway, a gray city turning misty as night comes. Mariana, who is known for her graceful presence, is introduced as an artist who must face the tough truths about her dreams. She wants to be famous and successful but feels unimportant and worries about what will happen. Even though she has problems, Mariana stays hopeful and sensitive, which draws in both the reader and the characters around her.