The Jewel Merchants A Comedy in One Act   By: James Branch Cabell (1879-1958)

The Jewel Merchants A Comedy in One Act by James Branch Cabell showcases his imaginative storytelling and adept use of humor to explore the themes of love, desire, and materialism. Set in a vibrant and bustling marketplace, the play takes us on a satirical journey that challenges societal norms and exposes the absurdity of our obsession with wealth and status.

Cabell's witty and clever dialogue is a true highlight of this play. Each character comes to life through their distinct voices and unique perspectives. From the pompous jeweler, who is fixated on profit and appearance, to the young lovers entangled in their desire for material possessions, each character embodies a different facet of our flawed human nature.

The play revolves around a central conflict: a young man seeks to win the heart of a fair maiden but faces the formidable obstacle of her overbearing father. As the drama unfolds, the audience is treated to a delightful spectacle of comedic situations, mistaken identities, and double entendres that keep the laughter flowing.

What sets Cabell's play apart is his ability to infuse his comedy with deeper thematic undertones. Through the character of the jeweler, Cabell satirizes the corrosive effects of a consumer-driven society, where the pursuit of material possessions eclipses genuine human connection. His sharp observations on the human condition resonate even in our modern world, reminding us of the futility of valuing material wealth over true happiness.

While the play is certainly humorous, it also prompts us to question our own values and priorities. Cabell challenges us to reflect on our own desires and the consequences of letting greed and materialism dictate our actions. In the end, he reminds us that true fulfillment lies not in the glitter of jewels, but in the bonds we forge with others.

The Jewel Merchants A Comedy in One Act showcases James Branch Cabell's masterful storytelling abilities and his astute observations on human nature. With its lively and witty dialogue, poignant themes, and entertaining plot, this play is a testament to Cabell's enduring talent. Whether you are a fan of comedic plays or enjoy thought-provoking literature, this work is sure to captivate and entertain.

First Page:

And candor compels the admission forthwith that the presence of this anchoritic merit in the wilderness is hardly due to me. When circumstances and the Little Theatre League of Richmond combined to bully me into contriving the dramatization of a short story called Balthazar's Daughter , I docilely converted this tale into a one act play of which you will find hereinafter no sentence. The comedy I wrote is now at one with the lost dramaturgy of Pollio and of Posidippus, and is even less likely ever to be resurrected for mortal auditors... Continue reading book >>