Subject
English drama -- 20th century Books
Best books
Maurice Baring
Diminutive dramas
Reprinted from the Morning Post.
Sutton Vane
Outward bound
No description available.
Laurence Housman
Lysistrata : $b A modern paraphrase from the Greek of Aristophanes
No description available.
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.
Aldous Huxley
Limbo
"Limbo" by Aldous Huxley is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces readers to Dick Greenow, an intellectually gifted boy navigating his formative years, grappling with personal identity and societal expectations, particularly regarding his feelings of discontent and his burgeoning romantic desires. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, the struggle between personal aspirations and social roles, and the complexity of human relationships. At the start of the story, we are introduced to young Dick Greenow and his sister, Millicent, whom he feels a mix of admiration and slight disdain toward due to their contrasting personalities. Dick is portrayed as an introspective boy, quietly navigating his feelings towards his peers at school and grappling with his intellectual pursuits. His academic achievements, particularly in mathematics, are overshadowed by a growing realization of his emotional complexity stemming from his unreciprocated love for the strikingly confident Francis Quarles. This early portion establishes a foundation of Dick's character and foreshadows the intricate dynamics of identity, sexuality, and societal pressures he will face as he transitions into adulthood.
Harold Brighouse
Hobson's Choice: A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts
"Hobson's Choice: A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts" by Harold Brighouse is a play written during the early 20th century, set in 1880s Lancashire. The narrative revolves around the central character, Maggie Hobson, the strong-willed eldest daughter of a boot shop owner, Henry Horatio Hobson. The play explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and women's independence as Maggie seeks to assert her will against her father's outdated views and strives to forge her own path in life. The opening of the play introduces the bustling interior of Hobson's boot shop, where Maggie and her sisters manage the business while dealing with their father’s domineering personality. The dialogue establishes the humorous yet contentious relationship within the Hobson family, particularly the clash between Maggie and her father, who believes he should choose husbands for his daughters. As Maggie takes charge, her intention to marry Will Mossop, a humble bootmaker, sets the stage for conflicts over class and the expectations of women of the era. The scene portrays Maggie's determination to break free from patriarchal constraints, hinting at her influence and the evolving socio-economic landscape of the time.
Harold Brighouse
Three Lancashire Plays: The Game; The Northerners; Zack
"Three Lancashire Plays: The Game; The Northerners; Zack" by Harold Brighouse is a collection of plays written in the early 20th century. This work reflects on the changing dynamics of family, society, and personal aspirations within the context of early 20th-century Lancashire. The play "The Game" introduces characters that grapple with issues of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of artistic and personal dreams against a backdrop of sporting culture. The opening of "The Game" sets the scene in a Lancashire household where Austin Whitworth’s family is eagerly anticipating a football match that holds significant stakes for their beloved local team, Blackton Rovers. The dialogue flows between Austin, his brother Edmund, and his children Leo, Florence, and Elsie, creating an atmosphere filled with playful banter and underlying tension regarding a recent transfer of star footballer Jack Metherell. As the narrative unfolds, the family's varying engagement with football and issues of loyalty, ambition, and societal expectations become apparent, highlighting contrasting generational perspectives while alluding to deeper emotional currents surrounding love and family ties.
Aleister Crowley
Tannhäuser : $b A story of all time
"Tannhäuser: A Story of All Time" by Aleister Crowley is a poetic drama written in the early 20th century. This work explores profound themes of love, spirituality, and the complex nature of existence, centering around the character Tannhäuser—a seeker of truth and harmony who traverses various realms of love and consciousness. The work reflects Crowley's fascination with mysticism and the interplay of earthly desire and divine inspiration. The opening of "Tannhäuser" introduces readers to the titular character as he embarks on a quest through a desolate landscape, contemplating the nature of existence and his pursuit of higher meaning. He expresses a longing for enlightenment and grapples with existential questions about love, destiny, and the divine. Through Tannhäuser's reflections, the narrative sets the stage for the exploration of complex themes, such as the clash between earthly passions and spiritual aspirations, foreshadowing the conflicts and transformations he will experience throughout the story.
A. A. (Alan Alexander) Milne
Three Plays
"Three Plays" by A. A. Milne is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. The three plays included in this volume, "The Great Broxopp," "The Dover Road," and "The Truth About Blayds," explore themes of ambition, relationships, and societal expectations through characters navigating personal and professional struggles. The main character, Broxopp, is an ambitious advertising agent whose journey unfolds as he grapples with the challenges of success and family life. The beginning of "The Great Broxopp" introduces us to the titular character and his wife, Nancy, in modest lodgings during the late Victorian era. Broxopp is depicted as an idealistic advertising agent who yearns to elevate his profession and establish himself as an artist in the field. As he searches for success, the dialogue between him and Nancy reveals their financial struggles but also their deep affection for each other. Their lighthearted banter and determination to support one another set the tone for Broxopp's journey as he aspires to achieve recognition and prosperity through his advertising talents.
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Tenth Man: A Tragic Comedy in Three Acts
"The Tenth Man: A Tragic Comedy in Three Acts" by W. Somerset Maugham is a play written in the early 20th century. The central theme revolves around interpersonal relationships and societal expectations, focusing primarily on the characters of Catherine Winter and George Winter as they navigate the complexities of love, betrayal, and financial ruin intertwined with the pressures of public image. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the drawing-room of Lord Francis Etchingham, where he and his wife discuss their daughter Catherine’s unexpected departure from her husband, George Winter, a powerful financier. As the couple grapples with their daughter’s decision and the potential fallout, it becomes evident that George's influence extends beyond their family dynamics, intertwining with business interests and the public's perception. The dialogue reveals tension between Catherine's need for autonomy and George's manipulative tactics, setting the stage for the moral dilemmas and conflicts that will unfold. This opening portion establishes a gripping narrative that hints at deeper themes of power, integrity, and the consequences of choices within a societal framework, inviting readers into a world where personal desires clash with obligations and reputations.
A. A. (Alan Alexander) Milne
Mr. Pim Passes By: A Comedy in Three Acts
"Mr. Pim Passes By: A Comedy in Three Acts" by A. A. Milne is a three-act comedy first produced in 1919. When the absent-minded Mr. Pim visits a respectable English household, his faulty memory drops a bombshell: the wife's first husband, believed dead in Australia, may still be alive. This revelation threatens to unravel the couple's marriage and expose them as unwitting bigamists. As legal propriety clashes with genuine affection, the household must navigate questions of duty, love, and what truly makes a marriage valid.
Harold Brighouse
Garside's Career: A Comedy in Four Acts
"Garside's Career: A Comedy in Four Acts" by Harold Brighouse is a play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Peter Garside, a working-class young man who has just earned his university degree while supporting his mother, Mrs. Garside, and balancing his aspirations against societal expectations. The focus lies on Peter's ambitions and the ensuing challenges, particularly the tension in his relationships, particularly with Margaret Shawcross, a school teacher and his romantic interest, as they navigate the intersection of personal aspirations and class struggles. The opening of the play presents the Garside household on an evening filled with anticipation as Mrs. Garside eagerly awaits news of her son Peter's academic success. When Peter returns with the triumphant news of his degree, the excitement is palpable, yet it soon highlights the contrasts between his working-class roots and the expectations that come with academic achievement. The conversation between Peter and Margaret reveals deeper themes of ambition, class consciousness, and the balance between romantic aspirations and political responsibilities. As Peter gears up for a potential career in politics as well as the challenges of maintaining his relationship with Margaret, the stage is set for a comedy that intertwines personal victories with broader societal themes.
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