George Bernard Shaw

Gebundenes Buch

Heartbreak House

Beschreibung

Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - Heartbreak House is not merely the name of the play which follows this preface. It is cultured, leisured Europe before the war. When the play was begun not a shot had been fired; and only the professional diplomatists and the very few amateurs whose hobby is foreign policy even knew that the guns were loaded. A Russian playwright, Tchekov, had produced four fascinating dramatic studies of Heartbreak House, of which three, The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, and The Seagull, had been performed in England. Tolstoy, in his Fruits of Enlightenment, had shown us through it in his most ferociously contemptuous manner. Tolstoy did not waste any sympathy on it: it was to him the house in which Europe was stifling its soul; and he knew that our utter enervation and futilization in that overheated drawingroom atmosphere was delivering the world over to the control of ignorant and soulless cunning and energy, with the frightful consequences which have now overtaken it. Tolstoy was no pessimist: he was not disposed to leave the house standing if he could bring it down about the ears of its pretty and amiable voluptuaries; and he wielded the pickaxe with a will. He treated the case of the inmates as one of opium poisoning, to be dealt with by seizing the patients roughly and exercising them violently until they were broad awake. Tchekov, more of a fatalist, had no faith in these charming people extricating themselves. They would, he thought, be sold up and sent adrift by the bailiffs; and he therefore had no scruple in exploiting and even flattering their charm.

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: 212
• Erscheinungstermin: Oktober 2005
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 222mm x 145mm x 16mm
• Gewicht: 449g
• ISBN-13: 9781421807430
• ISBN-10: 1421807432
• Artikelnr.: 22449696