Meagre, Warren's evil twin

Throughout Mary Otis Warren’s drama “The Group”, a wide array of anti-revolutionary political beliefs are expressed, ranging from apathy to vehement support of the Tories. However, one belief stands out from others; Meagre is exceptionally eloquent and engaging in articulating his opinion, although readers are left a bit confused at the contradictory language in his speeches. This can be seen when he states: “I hated Brutus for his noble stand Against the oppressors of his injured country. I hate the leaders of these restless factions, For all their generous efforts to be free.” In the same breath where Meagre claims that he hates someone, he also extols their virtues. Could it be that perhaps Warren imbued Meagre’s speech with some of her own opinions? Perhaps Warren really did hate Brutus (her brother) a bit for his “stand”, for the fact that he risked his life and was no longer there for her. Perhaps Meagre’s convoluted rhetoric is representative of Warren’s own tumultuous feelings towards the incident.
The idea that Meagre, ironically, represents Warren's hidden opinions is supported by the very name “Meagre” itself. As a woman in American society in the 1700’s, Warren was not given much respect. Although she did receive more respect than many other women in her society (her plays were the first of their kind to be published by a woman), the fact remains that it was hard for a woman to make herself heard in a world dominated by males. The name “Meagre” (the British spelling of ‘meager’) reminds one of someone who is easily ignored, and whose opinions are often brushed aside (if they don’t push them forward). This surely applies to women in the 1700’s.
Another fact that supports the idea that Meagre is representative of Warren’s alternate self is the cynicism evident in Meagre’s dialogue. This can be seen in his statement: “paramount to these ideal whims, Utopian dreams, of patriotic virtue, Which long has danced in their distempered brains” He refers to those who believe that they can change the world, and who believe that a utopia is possible as having “distempered brains”, and obviously having a faulty thought process. Although it is doubtful that Warren would actually say this herself in reference to the Patriot’s cause, it cannot be denied that this statement (and many of the other things which Meagre says) is reminiscent of the sarcasm and cynicism which Warren was known for.