Hell-Bent Fer Heaven: A Play in Three Acts

"Hell-Bent Fer Heaven" is a compelling three-act play set in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Written by Hatcher Hughes, this dramatic work earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1924 and remains a stark exploration of religious fanaticism and the complexities of human nature. The story centers on Rufe Pryor, a manipulative and self-righteous figure who uses his outward religious fervor to mask his true intentions and stir up old family animosities.As Rufe attempts to court Jude Lowry and settle scores with the Hunt family, the play delves into themes of hypocrisy, obsession, and the thin line between faith and madness. The characters are deeply rooted in their Appalachian environment, bringing a raw and authentic voice to the stage. Hughes masterfully uses the dialect and social structures of the region to heighten the tension and moral ambiguity of the plot.A significant contribution to American theater, "Hell-Bent Fer Heaven" offers a powerful critique of how religious zeal can be weaponized. It remains a gripping study of domestic conflict and psychological manipulation, capturing a specific moment in the American literary canon while addressing universal questions of morality and integrity.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.