The New Hangman By Laurence Houseman: Summary, Theme, Characters and Settings

In this play, unusual hero, the new hangman, refuses to carry out his share of work at the execution of a criminal. His revolt is against the inhumanity of taking a manโ€˜s life in cold blood and the injustice of foisting such a terrible duty on a fellow man. Though shocked and embarrassed by the unexpected behaviour of the new hangman, everyone in the prison is secretly relieved.