Icebound: A Play

"Icebound" by Owen Davis is a play written in the early 20th century. Set in Northern New England, it explores the complexities of family dynamics as they gather in anticipation of a dying matriarch's death. The characters navigate their contrasting emotions ranging from grief, resentment, and self-interest, revealing the nuances of their relationships and the burdens of their heritage. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the Jordan family, gathered in their parlor waiting for the matriarch to pass away. The atmosphere is filled with tension as various family members bicker about their relationships and inheritance, demonstrating a blend of familial love interspersed with suspicion and rivalry. The conversation reveals longstanding animosities and reveals the characters’ diverse motivations, particularly concerning how they expect to be treated in the wake of their mother’s death. The arrival of the black sheep of the family, Ben Jordan, stirs even more conflict as his presence disrupts the fragile peace among the family members, setting the stage for deeper confrontations around themes of loyalty, love, and betrayal.