What about the sufferings of pugilists who take part in the prize-fights, in which so many thousands in the United States delight?
It cannot be pity, therefore, for the birds or beasts, which makes the authorities forbid cockfighting and bull-baiting.

It must be that although these are exhibitions of courage and skill, the exhibition is degrading to the spectators and to those who urge the creatures to fight.

But what is the difference, so far as the spectator is concerned, between watching a combat between animals or birds and following a vivid dramatization of cruelty on the stage?
In the latter case the mental sufferings which are portrayed are frequently more harrowing than the details of any bull- or cockfight.
Such representation, therefore, unless a very clear moral lesson or warning is emblazoned throughout the play, must have the effect of making actors, actresses and spectators less sympathetic with suffering.

Familiarity breeds insensibility.

What I have said of melodrama applies also, though in a lesser degree, to books, and should be a warning to parents to exercise proper supervision of their children's reading.
Far be it from me to disparage the work of the playwright; the plot is often well laid and the actors, especially the prima-donna, execute their parts admirably.