Folger Book Club convenes on Thursday, April 2 with a discussion of The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf by Isa Arsén. To get ready for the conversation, we compiled some introductory information on this unique mid-century story.
Timed-entry passes
What is The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf about?
Two Shakespearean actors in an unconventional marriage get caught up in a renowned director’s scheme that will bring them closer than ever or rip them apart for good.
Up-and-coming stage actress Margaret Shoard has just taken a bow as Lady Macbeth, the role she has always believed was destined for her. At home, she plays wife to her best friend Wesley, even if she doesn’t hold his sole attention romantically. After a public breakdown threatens all she holds dear, Margaret’s doctor prescribes her uppers—just a little help to get through the days.
When Wesley is invited by eccentric director Vaughn Kline to join the cast for an inaugural Shakespeare performance in the New Mexico desert, Margaret decides to accompany him in hopes the time away will set her back to rights . . . but the world she finds in Vaughn’s company is filled with duplicity and betrayal. Margaret and Wesley, embroiled in an affair with a man who may not be all he seems, must find a way forward together before their story becomes the real tragedy.
Critical Reception
“Equal parts sultry and cultured.” —Lit Hub
“With sensitivity to a range of queer relationships as well as to Margaret’s unraveling psyche, Arsén paints a vivid portrait of 1950s backstage culture. The demands and compulsions of theater life create a satisfying backdrop for historical fiction that works as a page-turner.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Readers in the mood for a spicy period piece will find plenty to enjoy.” – Publishers Weekly
Why did we choose this book?
The Folger Shakespeare Library’s collection explores not only Shakespeare’s life and works, but also the plays’ historical context, source material, critical and performance histories, and the ways in which they inspire and are adapted by contemporary novelists.
A compliment to our March discussion of Queen Hereafter, this novel take another approach to Shakespeare’s iconic character by considering the power the role has over an actor while also offering a vivid snapshot of mid-century America.
About the author: Isa Arsén
From Penguin Random House
Guest Speakers
Alexander D'Agostino
Alexander D’Agostino is an interdisciplinary artist based in Baltimore, Maryland.
He graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2009 with a BFA in painting. He investigates the queer and otherworldly through dance, ritual, teaching, and visual art. His work has been presented at Vox Populi in Philadelphia, VisArts in Rockville, the Center for Contemporary Art of Afghanistan In Kabul, Chashama’s summer performance series in Manhattan, Itinerant Performance ArtFestival at the Queens Museum, the Walters Art Museum, Transformer DC, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington Spring 2022 Solo Exhibitions, Siren Arts Summer Performance Series, A Solo Exhibition at the Target Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, and currently a solo exhibition at the Bromo Artist Tower in Baltimore and one at Visarts in Rockville, MD. He is also an artistic research fellow at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC.
Alexander’s current project at the Folger uses tarot divination, embodied performance, and an LGBTQ+ lens to converse with the enigmatic Folger Manuscript V.b.26, also known as the “Book of Oberon.” He is available for similar tarot-based collections consultation and can be contacted through his website, Instagram, or at charmcitygnome@gmail.com.
Content Transparency
Queen Hereafter includes potentially sensitive subjects. Expand below for a full list of content (includes spoilers).
- Suicide attempt
- Self harm
- Drug abuse
- Homophobia
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Abortion
Support the Folger Shop
Fall Folger Book Club selections are now available online and in-person through the Folger Shop!
Click below to purchase your copy of The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf online or come visit us at 201 East Capitol St SE during our opening hours. Hours and directions
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We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program
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Shakespeare's Birthday Lecture with Dr. Emma Smith
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