"Plays Pleasant" is a collection of four plays by George Bernard Shaw, first published in 1898: Arms and the Man; Candida; The Man of Destiny; and, You Never Can Tell.One of Bernard Shaws most glittering comedies, Arms and the Man is a burlesque of Victorian attitudes to heroism, war and empire. In the contrast between Bluntschli, the mercenary soldier, and the brave leader, Sergius, the true nature of valour is revealed. Shaw mocks deluded idealism in Candida, when a young poet becomes infatuated with the wife of a Socialist preacher. The Man of Destiny is a witty war of words between Napoleon and a strange lady, while in the exuberant farce You Never Can Tell a divided family is reunited by chance. Although Shaw intended "Plays Pleasant" to be gentler comedies than those in their companion volume, "Plays Unpleasant", their prophetic satire is sharp and provocative.George Bernard Shaw is one of the worlds greatest literary figures.
Set against the backdrop of the Stuart Restoration, George Bernard Shaws "In Good King Charless Golden Days" is a masterful exploration of political ideals and moral philosophy. Through sharp dialogues and complex characterizations, Shaw delves into the tensions between royal authority and democratic aspirations, portraying the historical figure of King Charles II with a blend of both reverence and critique. The play expertly marries anachronism with contemporary ideological concerns, allowing readers to engage with the timeless struggle for power and the responsibilities that accompany it, all delivered in Shaws trademark wit and incisive humor. George Bernard Shaw, a prominent figure in the world of British theater and a key contributor to the social commentary of his time, often challenged prevailing views on politics, art, and society. His experience as a socialist playwright and critic reflects a deep engagement with the issues of governance and personal agency. Shaws fascination with historical figures can be traced to his desire to illuminate contemporary dilemmas through the lens of the past, thus informing his distinctive narrative style and thematic choices in this particular work. For readers inclined towards insightful historical drama laced with humor and philosophical inquiry, "In Good King Charless Golden Days" is a compelling choice. Shaws ability to weave complex themes into an entertaining narrative makes this play not only a significant work in the canon of English literature but also a thought-provoking commentary relevant to modern readers.
El ingenio desplegado por George Bernard Shaw en sus obras de teatro y escritos logró convertirlo en uno de los más lúcidos analistas de la sociedad londinense de principios de siglo. Shaw cuestiona el convencionalismo y explicita el pensamiento obvio, muestra las paradojas de la vida y de las conductas que llamamos normales o habituales.
It is after dinner on a January night, in the library in Lady Britomart Undershafts house in Wilton Crescent. A large and comfortable settee is in the middle of the room, upholstered in dark leather. A person sitting on it [it is vacant at present] would have, on his right, Lady Britomarts writing table, with the lady herself busy at it; a smaller writing table behind him on his left; the door behind him on Lady Britomarts side; and a window with a window seat directly on his left. Near the window is an armchair.
