Subject
England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Drama Books
Best books
Bernard Shaw
Heartbreak House
"Heartbreak House" by Bernard Shaw is a play written during the First World War and published in 1919. Set in a ship-shaped house, the work brings together an eccentric inventor, his self-absorbed daughters, and their guests for a disastrous dinner party. As romantic entanglements collide with political irresponsibility, Shaw depicts a society adrift—cultured yet rudderless, detached from reality as war literally drops from the sky. This darkly comic fantasia reflects Shaw's disillusionment with Britain, contrasting elegant indifference against aggressive philistinism in a nation heading toward catastrophe.
Bernard Shaw
Misalliance
"Misalliance" by George Bernard Shaw is a play written in the late 19th century (Victorian era). The narrative revolves around Johnny Tarleton, a young business man, and his interactions with Bentley Summerhays, who aspires to marry Johnny's sister, Hypatia. The play explores themes of class, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships through witty dialogues and a series of humorous confrontations. The opening of the play introduces Johnny Tarleton in his father's house, where he is enjoying a relaxing weekend. Soon, his friend Bentley Summerhays arrives and struck by tension between their contrasting personalities, a heated argument about social status and what it means to be a man ensues. This conflict is further complicated by the presence of Hypatia, who navigates her own feelings and expectations regarding marriage and societal roles, as well as the family dynamics involving Johnny and their parents. The conversations and character dynamics set the stage for a comedic exploration of misalliances in love and society, foreshadowing a dramatic incident as an aeroplane crashes into their lives, bringing unexpected developments.
Bernard Shaw
Heartbreak House
Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartbreak_House
Noël Coward
The Vortex: A Play in Three Acts
"The Vortex: A Play in Three Acts" by Noël Coward is a play written in 1924. Set in post-World War I British high society, it explores the sexual vanity of an aging socialite and her complicated relationship with her adult son. The play depicts drug abuse and includes what critics view as coded references to homosexuality, then illegal in Britain. Its scandalous content made it Coward's first major commercial success, though it barely survived official censorship before its November 1924 premiere in London.
Clemence Dane
A Bill of Divorcement: A Play in Three Acts
"A Bill of Divorcement: A Play in Three Acts" by Clemence Dane is a play first performed in 1921. Set in the early 1930s, the drama explores a controversial scenario: a woman divorcing her long-institutionalized husband to remarry. Their daughter must care for her father while confronting the possibility that his mental illness may be hereditary. The play imagines a future Britain where divorce is permitted on grounds of incurable insanity—a provocative premise that captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and inspired three film adaptations.
A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
Green Stockings: A Comedy in Three Acts
"Green Stockings: A Comedy in Three Acts" by A. E. W. Mason is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the lives and relationships of the Faraday family, particularly focusing on their eldest daughter, Celia, and her perceived struggles with marriage and societal expectations. The play captures the themes of love, family dynamics, and societal pressures with a comedic tone, reflecting the norms and customs of its time. At the start of the play, the scene is set in the elegant drawing room of the Faraday household, where the characters engage in lively conversation about the return of Celia, who has been away for a week. The dialogue introduces the characters, revealing their personalities and relationships. Phyllis is eager to marry but feels overshadowed by her older sister Celia, whom the others view as a spinster. A sense of urgency develops as it becomes clear that Celia’s presence complicates Phyllis's romantic intentions with Bobby Tarver. As the act unfolds, Celia arrives home drenched from the rain, hinting at her resilience despite her social circumstances and the jokes made about her by the family. The lighthearted banter gradually reveals deeper tensions regarding marriage and independence, setting the stage for Celia's pivotal role in the unfolding comedy and her unconventional approach to navigating her societal constraints.
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts
"The Unknown; A Play in Three Acts" by W. Somerset Maugham is a drama written in the early 20th century. The play revolves around the lives of ordinary characters, primarily focusing on Colonel Wharton, his wife Mrs. Wharton, and their son John, who has just returned from the war. Set in a country manor, it explores themes of life, death, faith, and the complexities of human emotions against the backdrop of post-war society. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the Wharton family in their manor house, amidst the mundane preparations for a meal and the anxieties surrounding John's return after being wounded in battle. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and worry, as John's prolonged absence has strained family dynamics, especially concerning his father's health. The poignant conversations hint at underlying tensions, particularly John's struggle with faith and the weight of expectations from his family, culminating in a moment of revelation regarding his beliefs. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal and existential dilemmas influenced by the aftermath of war, while simultaneously addressing the nuances of familial love and societal norms.
Henry Arthur Jones
Michael and His Lost Angel: A Play in Five Acts
"Michael and His Lost Angel: A Play in Five Acts" by Henry Arthur Jones is a dramatic work written in the late 19th century. The play explores complex themes of morality, temptation, and the interplay between mundane life and spiritual aspirations. The protagonist, Reverend Michael Feversham, grapples with the conflicting influences of duty, love, and his own ascetic ideals as he encounters the flirtatious and morally ambiguous Audrie Lesden. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the tension within Michael’s character as he deals with his parishioners and their struggles, particularly the case of a young girl, Rose Gibbard, who has been ruined by a man. Michael’s insistence on public confession as a means of redemption reveals his own rigid moral standards. Simultaneously, Audrie enters the scene with a provocative air; she displays a desire to engage with Michael in a spiritual and sensual manner. Their interactions set the stage for a deeper exploration of personal desires contrasted against societal expectations and religious duty. The opening portion presents a rich tapestry of emotional and moral dilemmas that will likely resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven drama.
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts
"Penelope: A Comedy in Three Acts" by W. Somerset Maugham is a play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the main character, Penelope, a young married woman who has recently discovered her husband's infidelity and is contemplating divorce. The narrative explores themes of love, fidelity, and the complexities of relationships, particularly through Penelope's interactions with her family and social circle. The opening of the play sets the stage in Dr. O’Farrell’s drawing-room, where various guests, including family and friends, arrive, each with their own confusion and misunderstandings stemming from a series of telegrams sent by Penelope. As they await her arrival, the characters discuss her impending scandal involving the rumor of a royal guest, the Archduchess Anastasia. However, Penelope enters unexpectedly, revealing that she orchestrated this gathering to address her desire to divorce her husband, Dickie, due to his questionable loyalties to another woman. This engaging introduction establishes not only the comedic tone of the play but also the intricate dynamics between Penelope and those around her as she navigates her emotional turmoil.
Elizabeth Baker
Chains: A Play, in Four Acts
"Chains: A Play, in Four Acts" by Elizabeth Baker is a play first performed in 1909. Set in Edwardian England, it follows Charley Wilson, a London clerk trapped in suburban monotony, and his wife Lily as they struggle to make ends meet. When their lodger decides to abandon everything and emigrate to Australia, Charley dreams of escape too. But everyone around him—wife, family, friends—ridicules such ambition. As financial pressures mount and his wages are cut, Charley must choose between pursuing freedom or accepting the suffocating chains of respectability and duty.
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