George Bernard Shaw

Broschiertes Buch

Fanny's First Play

Beschreibung

Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. 1st World Library-Literary Society is a non-profit educational organization. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - Fanny's First Play, being but a potboiler, needs no preface. But its lesson is not, I am sorry to say, unneeded. Mere morality, or the substitution of custom for conscience was once accounted a shameful and cynical thing: people talked of right and wrong, of honor and dishonor, of sin and grace, of salvation and damnation, not of morality and immorality. The word morality, if we met it in the Bible, would surprise us as much as the word telephone or motor car. Nowadays we do not seem to know that there is any other test of conduct except morality; and the result is that the young had better have their souls awakened by disgrace, capture by the police, and a month's hard labor, than drift along from their cradles to their graves doing what other people do for no other reason than that other people do it, and knowing nothing of good and evil, of courage and cowardice, or indeed anything but how to keep hunger and concupiscence and fashionable dressing within the bounds of good taste except when their excesses can be concealed. Is it any wonder that I am driven to offer to young people in our suburbs the desperate advice: Do something that will get you into trouble? But please do not suppose that I defend a state of things which makes such advice the best that can be given under the circumstances, or that I do not know how difficult it is to find out a way of getting into trouble that will combine loss of respectability with integrity of self-respect and reasonable consideration for other peoples' feelings and interests on every point except their dread of losing their own respectability. But when there's a will there's a way. I hate to see dead people walking about: it is unnatural. And our respectable middle class people are all as dead as mutton. Out of the mouth of Mrs Knox I have delivered on them the judgment of her God.

Autor

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and social reformer known for his sharp wit, satirical commentary, and progressive views. Born in Dublin, Shaw moved to London in his early twenties and became deeply involved in the cultural and intellectual life of the city. "The Apple Cart," written in 1928, is one of Shaw's later plays and is considered a political satire. It explores themes of power, politics, and monarchy in a fictional future Britain. In the play, King Magnus finds himself at odds with his Prime Minister over the monarchy's role in government, leading to a series of witty and thought-provoking debates about democracy, leadership, and the nature of power. Shaw's works often challenged societal norms and conventions, and "The Apple Cart" is no exception, using humor and irony to critique political systems and explore alternative visions for society. As a playwright, Shaw was known for his ability to blend entertainment with intellectual depth, creating memorable characters and engaging dialogue that continue to resonate with audiences today. Beyond his literary achievements, Shaw was a prominent figure in the Fabian Society, a socialist organization advocating for social reform. He used his platform as a writer and public speaker to champion causes such as women's rights, education reform, and economic equality. George Bernard Shaw's legacy as a playwright and thinker is marked by his profound impact on both literature and social discourse. His plays, including "The Apple Cart," remain relevant for their exploration of timeless themes and their enduring relevance to contemporary political and social issues.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: 1st World Library - Literary Society
• Seitenzahl: 132
• Erscheinungstermin: 1. September 2004
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 216mm x 140mm x 7mm
• Gewicht: 177g
• ISBN-13: 9781595402424
• ISBN-10: 159540242X
• Artikelnr.: 21889041