The Squire E-Book

Arthur Wing Pinero

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

In "The Squire," Arthur Wing Pinero masterfully interweaves themes of social class, morality, and personal ambition within the vibrant tapestry of Edwardian theater. This comedic play showcases Pinero's signature blend of wit and poignancy, deftly exploring the contrasts between societal expectations and individual desires. The plot centers around the titular Squire, a character embodying the complexities of the British gentry, as he grapples with deeper existential questions against the backdrop of an evolving society influenced by Victorian ideals. Pinero's sharp dialogue and keen observational humor reflect the literary shift towards character-driven narratives in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering both entertainment and a critical lens on contemporary issues of class and ethics. Arthur Wing Pinero, a prominent playwright of the era, was himself intertwined with the changing dynamics of British society. He began his career in the theatrical world as an actor and soon transitioned to writing, where his acute awareness of social nuance and human emotion flourished. Pinero's oeuvre often tackled the intersection of respectability and desire, emblematic of his own experiences in an era of shifting moral landscapes, enriching the character-driven focus seen in "The Squire." For readers and theater enthusiasts, "The Squire" is a delightful exploration of the conflicts between personal ambitions and societal expectations, making it an essential addition to any literary collection. Pinero's work not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the human condition, evoking thoughtful discussions about the nature of success and fulfillment. This play is highly recommended for those interested in the evolution of modern drama and the intricate dynamics of class dynamics.

Leseprobe

Arthur Wing Pinero

The Squire

An Original Comedy in Three Acts

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4064066147419

Table of Contents

THE SQUIRE

ACT I. — THE SECRET.

ACT II. — THE SIREN.

ACT III. — GOOD-BYE.

Produced at the St. James's Theatre, London, on December 29th, 1881 with the following cast:--

Characters:

The Rev. Paul Dormer

Mr. Hare

Lieutenant Thorndyke

Mr. Kendal

Gilbert Hythe

Mr. T. N. Wenraan

Gunnion

Mr. Macintosh

Izod Haggerston

Mr. T. W. Robertson

Fell

Mr. Martin

Robjohns, Junior

Mr. Brandon Thomas

The Representative of the "Pagley Mercury "

Mr. Steyne

Kate Verity

Mrs. Kendal

Christiana Haggerston

Miss Ada Murray

Felicity Gunnion

Miss Stella Brereton

Villagers.

THE SQUIRE

Table of Contents

ACT I. — THE SECRET.

Table of Contents

Scene:—The exterior of a decayed, weatherbeaten, Elizabethan 'mansion, overgrown with ivy and autumn-tinted creeper. On the R., the lower part of a tower, square or circular. Facing the audience, about five feet from the ground, a door opening into the tower, the entrance proper to the house. This door leads out on to a stone terrace, which is run off the stage R., and which terminates R. C., in a few broken and irregular steps. At the foot of the steps, C., of stage, an old halting stone. Below the terrace, R., a wooden garden seat. On the R., of garden seat, a small rustic table, on which is a work-basket with materials for needlework. At back, up stage, the house runs from R., to L., In R., corner, a piece of broken stonework, almost concealed by ivy, forming a footing to gain a broad beam which runs about twelve feet from the ground, from R., to L., Above the beam, two substantial casement windows, R., c. and L., Below the beams, R., C., a window, and on the L. a large archway, with broken iron gates leaning against its walls. Through the archway, a bright view of farm lands, ricks, etc., etc. On the L., continuing the house wall, down the stage, an outhouse, suggesting a kitchen dairy; outside this, up stage L., a wooden bench with milk-pails, etc. Down stage, a door leading into outhouse. Above door, L., C., rough deal table and two chairs. The ground is flagged with broken stones, which are much overgrown with moss and weed.