Coming Through The Rye

by William Saroyan

Several characters are waiting in the "green room" before life begins. Each person has been conceived and is waiting to be born. Each possesses his ultimate physical form and ego. In these few minutes the characters discuss their ultimate destinies and whether they are happy with the life they will be given. A voice tells them to get ready to enter the world where they will temporarily forget who they will become. This is a short one-act play that provides a unique and fascinating look at what life is all about from an outsider perspective.

18 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

William Saroyan was an Armenian-American writer, renowned for his novels, plays, and short stories. He gained widespread recognition for his unique literary style, often characterized by a deep appreciation for everyday life and human resilience. His works frequently explored themes of Armenian-American immigrant experiences, particularly in his native California, and were infused with optimism, humor, and sentimentality.
Saroyan's breakthrough came with The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze (1934), a short story that established him as a major literary voice during the Great Depression. He went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for The Time of Your Life, though he declined the award, and in 1943, he won an Academy Award for Best Story for The Human Comedy. His novel My Name Is Aram (1940), based on his childhood, became an international bestseller.
Though celebrated for his literary achievements, Saroyan had a tumultuous career, often struggling with financial instability due to his gambling habits and an unwillingness to compromise with Hollywood. His later works were less commercially successful, but he remained a prolific writer, publishing essays, memoirs, and plays throughout his life.
Saroyan's legacy endures through his influence on American literature, his contributions to Armenian cultural identity, and the honors bestowed upon him, including a posthumous induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame. His remains are divided between Fresno, California, and Armenia, reflecting his deep connection to both his birthplace and ancestral homeland.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short play. Its kind of the opposite of Our Town, where instead of people having awareness in death, people have awareness that they are about to be born, and what kind of life they will ultimately live. Before they go out into the world, it's almost like they are discussing going out on a stage to perform. I've read a lot of one-acts lately, many of them not great, but this is one of my favorites.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saroyan manages to pack a lot to think about in a really short play. It's so brilliant in its simplicity and so affective! The last moments of the play are so packed with meaning and poignant. This short piece was such a surprise!