Subject
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Drama Books
Best books
Harry Paulton
Niobe, All Smiles: A Farcical Comedy in Three Acts
"Niobe, All Smiles: A Farcical Comedy in Three Acts" by Harry and Edward Paulton is a comedic play written in the late 19th century. This farcical work revolves around the amusing interactions within a household that unexpectedly sees the reawakening of a statue, Niobe, who has been brought to life after centuries. The narrative highlights the comical chaos that ensues as Dunn, the bewildered householder, grapples with the presence of this ancient figure, his family dynamics, and the implications of their interactions. At the start of the play, the Dunn family is preparing to leave for the theater, and various characters engage in light banter reflecting their unique personalities. The dialogue humorously reveals the complexities of their relationships, particularly focusing on Peter Dunn, who is portrayed as somewhat beleaguered under the weight of his domestic life. As the scene unfolds, we learn about Peter's wife, Helen, and her critical nature, as well as the peculiarities surrounding a statue of Niobe that has been recently acquired. The opening acts hint at a comedic mix of misunderstandings and social commentary, culminating in the whimsical arrival of Niobe herself, set to further complicate the household's affairs and amuse the audience with her anachronistic demeanor.
F. Anstey
Lyre and Lancet: A Story in Scenes
"Lyre and Lancet: A Story in Scenes" by F. Anstey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a contemporary English setting and revolves around the social intrigues of an aristocratic household, focusing on characters like Sir Rupert Culverin and his interactions with family and guests, including a poet named Clarion Blair. The opening of the novel introduces us to Sir Rupert Culverin in his study as rain falls on a Saturday morning. Lady Culverin enters, expressing concern about their guests and discussing the awkwardness of seating arrangements, particularly regarding her strong-minded sister-in-law, Rohesia, and a poet she has invited. Amidst the banter about social expectations and personalities, it becomes clear that the arrival of the poet, who carries a sense of intrigue and potential conflict, sets the stage for the unfolding drama at Wyvern Court, where various characters are brought together, possibly leading to unexpected complications and comedic situations. The narrative hints at themes of societal roles, personal identity, and the clash of different worldviews within a seemingly genteel setting.
R. C. (Richard Claude) Carton
Lady Huntworth's Experiment: An original comedy in three acts
"Lady Huntworth's Experiment: An original comedy in three acts by R. C. Carton" is a three-act comedy first presented in 1900. An aristocratic woman, escaping a disastrous marriage, takes refuge in disguise as a cook in a country vicarage. When her drunken former husband appears demanding reconciliation, and various household members converge on her kitchen with unexpected proposals, she must navigate comic complications while concealing her true identity. Meanwhile, romantic entanglements among the other characters lead to surprising resolutions and new possibilities for happiness.
Colin Clements
Pirates: A comedy in one act
"Pirates: A comedy in one act" by Colin Clements is a play written in the early 20th century that provides a humorous take on the lives of several women in a Victorian setting. The narrative centers around themes of gossip and societal propriety, encapsulated in the interactions between various characters within Mrs. Warren's living room. Through its comedic lens, the play explores the consequences of rumors and the perceptions of morality within a small community. The storyline unfolds as Mrs. Warren anxiously navigates a swirl of gossip surrounding her daughter, Betty, and the new doctor, Doctor Hunter. Various characters enter and exit, each contributing to the melodrama through their hearsay and opinions, leading to misunderstandings and comedic situations. As the rumor escalates—suggesting that Betty may have eloped with the doctor—the poignancy of the community's judgment becomes evident. Ultimately, the play humorously critiques the absurdity of gossip and the pressure of societal expectations, culminating in a resolution that reveals the misunderstandings at play. The lively dialogue and the colorful characterization make it an engaging exploration of human behavior in a tightly-knit society.
Richard Ganthony
A message from Mars : $b A fantastic comedy in three acts
"A Message from Mars: A Fantastic Comedy in Three Acts" by Richard Ganthony is a play first performed in 1899. When self-absorbed Horace Parker chooses an evening of reading over escorting his fiancée to a ball, he falls asleep and encounters a mysterious visitor from Mars. The Messenger arrives with one mission: to cure Horace of his selfishness through a series of transformative visions that ultimately reduce him to a beggar, forcing him to confront his flaws.
Recently surfaced classics