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England -- Drama Books
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Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
"The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" by Oscar Wilde is a play first performed in 1895. Two young gentlemen lead double lives, each pretending to be named Ernest to escape social duties and win the hearts of their beloveds. Filled with sharp wit and clever wordplay, the farcical comedy gently mocks Victorian society through memorable characters including the formidable Lady Bracknell. The play parodies theatrical conventions while exploring themes of identity, deception, and the absurdities of proper society.
Steele MacKaye
Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel
"Pride and Prejudice" by Mrs. Steele Mackaye, founded on Jane Austen's novel, is a play written in the early 20th century. This adaptation retains the spirit of Austen's original story, focusing on themes of love, class, and societal expectations as experienced by its central characters, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Through witty dialogue and a critique of social norms, the play explores the complexities of relationships with humor and insight. The opening of the play introduces the Bennet family at their residence, Longbourn, where Mrs. Bennet excitedly informs Mr. Bennet of the arrival of Mr. Bingley, a wealthy bachelor who could potentially marry one of their daughters. The conversation quickly reveals Mrs. Bennet's persistent aspiration to secure advantageous marriages for her daughters, highlighting the pressures of societal expectations. Elizabeth and Jane, the two elder Bennet sisters, are characterized through their exchanges, showcasing Elizabeth's spirited nature and Jane's gentility. The encounter also foreshadows the dynamics between the Bennets and their new neighbors, particularly the proud Mr. Darcy and the charming Mr. Wickham, setting the stage for the intricate interplay of love and pride that unfolds throughout the story.
Bernard Shaw
You Never Can Tell
"You Never Can Tell" by George Bernard Shaw is a four-act play written in 1897. Mrs. Clandon returns to England with her three children after eighteen years abroad, but the children have no idea who their father is. Through a comedy of errors, they end up inviting him to a family lunch. Meanwhile, a dentist named Valentine falls for Gloria, the eldest daughter who claims to have no interest in love or marriage. A wise waiter dispenses advice with the play's titular phrase as identities become confused and comic situations unfold.
John Lydgate
The Disguising at Hertford
"The Disguising at Hertford" by John Lydgate is a verse play written around the early 15th century, likely during the late medieval period. This theatrical work explores themes of marriage and domestic discord through a humorous lens, showcasing the trials and tribulations faced by husbands under the rule of their strong-willed wives. Set against the backdrop of royal festivities at Hertford Castle, the play is a lively examination of gender dynamics and the nature of power in marital relationships. The plot unfolds as a group of husbands presents a complaint to the king, expressing their grievances about the domineering behavior of their wives. Each husband shares his amusing woes, illustrating the challenges of marriage and the social expectations placed upon both men and women. The wives, responding with equal fervor, assert their own perspectives and rights, adding a layer of complexity to the dialogue. The king, acting as an impartial judge, refrains from delivering an immediate judgment, prompting a deeper exploration of the societal norms surrounding marriage and authority. Ultimately, the play’s resolution invites the audience to reflect on the balance of power within domestic life, wrapped in the comedic exchanges between the characters.
Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome
The Master of Mrs. Chilvers: An Improbable Comedy
"The Master of Mrs. Chilvers: An Improbable Comedy" by Jerome K. Jerome is a stage play written during the early 20th century. The narrative centers on the themes of women's rights, political ambition, and the complexities of marriage, highlighted through the characters of Annys Chilvers, a woman advocating for women's suffrage, and her husband, Geoffrey Chilvers, a Member of Parliament who finds himself embroiled in a political contest against his own wife. With comedy woven into the serious societal discussions of the era, the play explores the dynamics between genders in a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. The beginning of "The Master of Mrs. Chilvers" introduces us to a gathering in a drawing-room that serves as the setting for a meeting of the Women’s Parliamentary Franchise League. Key characters, including Annys Chilvers and her mother, Lady Mogton, engage in a passionate discussion about women's suffrage and the upcoming election. As they strategize on presenting a female candidate, the tension builds around the implications of Annys running against her husband Geoffrey in an election now made possible by a recent legal decision about women candidates. The opening establishes a comedic yet serious exploration of gender roles, with strong dialogues reflecting the struggles and aspirations of the women's movement of the time.
John Galsworthy
Plays : Fourth Series
"Plays: Fourth Series" by John Galsworthy is a collection of theatrical works likely written during the early 20th century. This volume includes plays like "A Bit O' Love," which explores themes of love, morality, and societal expectations through the interactions of its characters. The main character, Michael Strangway, is depicted as a gentle clergyman faced with personal and professional turmoil, suggesting an examination of human emotions against the backdrop of village life. At the start of "A Bit O' Love," we are introduced to Michael Strangway, who plays the flute in a farmhouse on Ascension Day while surrounded by young girls who are part of his confirmation class. The opening scenes delve into Strangway's character as he teaches the girls about love and Christianity while wrestling with emotional complexities, hinting at a troubled marriage. The arrival of his wife, Beatrice, adds to the tension, as past relationships and secrets threaten to disrupt the harmony of village life. The dynamics between Strangway and the villagers begin to reveal deeper social issues as the community grapples with rumors and personal scandals that challenge traditional morals.
John Galsworthy
Plays : Third Series
"Plays: Third Series" by John Galsworthy is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. The series includes three plays: "The Fugitive," "The Pigeon," and "The Mob," exploring themes of personal relationships, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas. The opening play, "The Fugitive," focuses on the troubled marriage of George Dedmond and his wife Clare, delving into the emotional distance and discord that characterizes their relationship. The beginning of "The Fugitive" introduces the characters in George Dedmond's flat, where tension is palpable. George is anxiously waiting for his wife Clare, who has not returned home, expressing frustration about her absence before guests arrive for an evening of bridge. As the first act unfolds, hints of discontent emerge through conversations among the characters about Clare's behavior and her associations, particularly with a man named Malise. Clare ultimately arrives, revealing her conflicted feelings about her marriage, the societal expectations placed upon her, and her urge to break free from the constraints of her life. Through this setup, Galsworthy begins to explore the complexities of love, duty, and the search for personal fulfillment against societal pressures.
John Galsworthy
Six Short Plays
"Six Short Plays" by John Galsworthy is a collection of theatrical works crafted in the early 20th century. This compilation delves into a variety of human experiences and social dynamics, exploring themes of morality, the complexities of relationships, and societal expectations through different characters and settings. Each play encapsulates intense emotions and thought-provoking dialogues that reflect Galsworthy's keen insight into human nature. The opening portion of the first play, "The First and The Last," introduces us to brothers Keith and Larry Darrant. In a tense atmosphere, Larry confesses to Keith that he has accidentally killed a man during a struggle while defending a woman he loves, Wanda. The scene unfolds with a swirl of anxious dialogue as Larry grapples with guilt and panic, seeking guidance from Keith, who is on the brink of a legal career and is drawn into a moral quandary. Simultaneously supportive and incredulous, Keith's reactions set the tone for a dramatic conflict that revolves around loyalty, love, and the consequences of one's actions, laying the groundwork for further exploration of these themes in the ensuing drama.
John Galsworthy
Plays : Fifth Series
"Plays: Fifth Series" by John Galsworthy is a collection of plays written during the early 20th century. This series encompasses various themes, with a notable focus on familial dynamics, societal expectations, and personal conflicts. The plays center around characters such as John Builder, a businessman and aspiring mayor, and his daughters, Athene and Maud, who grapple with their identities and choices in a rapidly changing society. At the start of "A Family Man," the first play in the series, we are introduced to John Builder and his wife, Julia, as they discuss their family, particularly their estranged daughter, Athene. John expresses a desire to reconcile with Athene, who has distanced herself due to ideological differences, especially regarding her pursuit of artistic freedom and independence. As tension rises, it becomes evident that John's vision of familial duty conflicts with the aspirations of his daughters, setting the stage for an exploration of generational conflicts and the evolving roles of women in society. This opening portion lays the groundwork for dramatic confrontations that illuminate the characters' struggles with authority, autonomy, and the definition of family life.
John Galsworthy
Plays : First Series
"Plays: First Series" by John Galsworthy is a collection of dramatic works that was likely written in the early 20th century. This series includes a variety of plays, with the first being "The Silver Box," which explores themes of social class and morality through the interactions of its characters. The central figures include John Barthwick, a wealthy Member of Parliament, and his son Jack, whose indiscretions lead to a confrontation with Mrs. Jones, a struggling working-class woman. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Jack Barthwick, who returns home late at night in a drunken state, having taken a lady's reticule during a quarrel. This sets off a chain of events that intertwines the lives of the well-to-do Barthwicks with the impoverished Jones family, highlighting the stark contrasts between their social standings. When Mrs. Jones, whose husband has fallen into a life of despair and violence due to unemployment, becomes embroiled in the situation after the theft of the silver cigarette box, the play delves into the accusations and moral dilemmas that arise. The opening scenes set up the tension between class perceptions, responsibility, and the quest for justice, paving the way for an examination of societal structures and individual choices.
Joseph Conrad
One Day More: A Play In One Act
"One Day More: A Play In One Act" by Joseph Conrad is a one-act play likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a small sea port setting and revolves around the complexities of familial relationships, hope, and social isolation as it explores the life of Captain Hagberd, who is anxiously awaiting the return of his long-lost son, Harry. The play captures the themes of yearning and madness through the lives of its characters—particularly the interplay between the hope of reunion and the stark realities of life. The plot centers around Captain Hagberd's obsessive anticipation of his son's return after years of estrangement. He is portrayed as a man so consumed by this hope that it blinds him to the realities around him. Meanwhile, Bessie Carvil, who interacts with Captain Hagberd, navigates her own struggles in caring for her blind father, Josiah. As the story unfolds, Harry Hagberd arrives but is initially unaware of the weight his father's expectations hold. Trapped in a web of misunderstandings and unrecognized affection, Bessie's growing connection with Harry complicates matters. The play culminates in a tragic realization for Bessie and Hagberd, raising poignant questions about hope, responsibility, and the emotional toll of waiting for something that may never come.
John Galsworthy
Plays : Second Series
"Plays: Second Series" by John Galsworthy is a collection of dramatic works written during the early 20th century. This series includes several plays that tackle complex themes involving family dynamics, social issues, and moral dilemmas, particularly focusing on the upper-middle-class British society of the time. The central play in this series, "The Eldest Son," revolves around the struggles faced by the Cheshire family, particularly their eldest son Bill, as he navigates familial expectations and personal entanglements. The opening of "The Eldest Son" introduces us to the Cheshire family during a gathering at their country house, where a sense of tension pervades the atmosphere as various family members interact with one another. Through their dialogues, we learn about Bill's complicated relationship with both his family and his love interest, Freda, who is also the family's maid. The characters discuss social proprieties and the implications of love and duty, setting the stage for conflict as Bill contemplates his place in the family amidst financial pressures and romantic obligations. This portion effectively highlights the underlying themes of class distinction, loyalty, and the weight of societal expectations that are likely to unfold throughout the play.
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