In the play “Fourteen” by Alice Gerstenberg, which statement expresses the theme of the drama? a) Sometimes problems can lead to unexpected positive outcomes. b) It’s important to have faith, as problems will often sort themselves out. c) How one presents themselves to society has a serious impact on the rest of their life.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: a) Sometimes problems can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
Alice Gerstenberg’s one-act play Fourteen is a clever comedy of manners that captures the anxiety and chaos of a high-society dinner party gone awry. The central theme of the play revolves around the idea that unexpected problems can result in surprisingly positive outcomes. This is best captured in option a, which most accurately reflects the central message.
In the play, Mrs. Pringle is hosting a dinner party with the hope of matching her daughter Elaine with an eligible bachelor, Mr. Farnsworth. The number “fourteen” refers to the planned number of dinner guests—a number that keeps changing due to a snowstorm, illnesses, and last-minute cancellations. As each guest drops out, Mrs. Pringle becomes increasingly distressed, fearing social embarrassment and the loss of a good match for her daughter.
However, despite the chaos and her obsessive attempts to maintain social decorum, the play takes a surprising turn: Mr. Farnsworth is impressed by Elaine and asks to call on her again. Thus, the original goal of the dinner party—forming a potential romantic connection—is achieved, even though the party itself falls apart.
Gerstenberg uses this scenario to satirize upper-class social rituals and highlight the unpredictability of life. The message is that while people often try to control every detail to maintain appearances, life has a way of reshuffling plans—and sometimes for the better. The humor and irony in the play lie in how Mrs. Pringle’s frantic efforts are ultimately unnecessary for achieving her goal.
Therefore, the theme “sometimes problems can lead to unexpected positive outcomes” is the most accurate interpretation of the play’s message. It emphasizes resilience, irony, and the value of letting go of rigid expectations—key ideas that define this witty and tightly constructed play.
