Play the Game!

"Play the Game!" by Ruth Comfort Mitchell is a story from the early 1900s that centers on Honor Carmody, a spirited young woman who enjoys spending more time with boys than girls, as her family considers where she will go to school. Honor's journey unfolds as she deals with her close relationships, particularly with her stepfather Stephen and her childhood friend Jimsy King, who is trying to overcome the shadow cast by his family's past. The story begins by showing Honor's objections to going to a girls' school, which demonstrates her strong connection with boys, especially Jimsy. The narrative highlights a lively family atmosphere, mainly through the interactions between Honor, her mother Mildred, and her fun-loving stepfather Stephen. As Jimsy prepares for high school football and deals with the weight of his family's reputation, Honor becomes a supportive friend, eager to help him do well in school. This sets the scene for the exploration of identity, friendship, and the impact of one's history, providing readers with an engaging look into the characters' lives.