Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads

St. Patrick's day, or, the scheming lieutenant : a farce in one act   By: (1751-1816)

Book cover

St. Patrick's Day, or, The Scheming Lieutenant: A Farce in One Act by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is an uproariously funny and entertaining theatrical work that takes readers on a hilarious journey into the realm of mischief and mistaken identities.

Set in the 18th century, this one-act play follows the lives of two mischievous characters, Lieutenant O'Connor and Patrick O'Callaghan, as they concoct a plan to deceive their respective lovers. The story revolves around a chaotic masquerade ball during St. Patrick's Day celebrations, where O'Connor disguises himself as an elderly uncle to deceive his beloved Nora, while O'Callaghan disguises himself as a lady to woo the charming Lady Harriet.

Sheridan's work is a masterpiece that brilliantly combines wit, humor, and satire. The fast-paced dialogue is filled with clever wordplay and humorous double entendres, keeping the audience delighted and engaged throughout the entire play. The characters are vividly portrayed, their exaggerated mannerisms and humorous predicaments adding to the overall comedic effect.

The plot unfolds with hilarity and unpredictability, as the scheming lieutenant's plans are constantly threatened by unforeseen mishaps, misunderstandings, and the presence of other eccentric characters. The play reaches its climax during a series of mistaken identities, resulting in a riotous and nonsensical finale that keeps the audience in stitches.

One of the highlights of this play is the clever social commentary that underlies the absurd situations. Sheridan uses comedy as a tool to satirize societal conventions, particularly emphasizing the folly of pretentiousness and societal expectations. Through his exaggerated characters, he mocks the upper class and their obsession with appearance, subtly criticizing the hypocrisy and shallowness of the elite.

Despite being a relatively short work, St. Patrick's Day, or, The Scheming Lieutenant manages to provide its readers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. Sheridan's impeccable comedic timing, witty dialogue, and insightful commentary make it a must-read for anyone with a taste for humor and satire.

Overall, this one-act farce by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a delightful and uproarious piece of literature that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless humor and clever social commentary. St. Patrick's Day, or, The Scheming Lieutenant is a comedic gem that showcases Sheridan's prowess as a playwright and guarantees laughter from start to finish.

First Page:

ST. PATRICK'S DAY;

OR, THE SCHEMING LIEUTENANT

A FARCE

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

AS ORIGINALLY ACTED AT COVENT GARDEN THEATRE IN 1775

LIEUTENANT O'CONNOR Mr. Clinch . DR. ROSY Mr. Quick . JUSTICE CREDULOUS Mr. Lee Lewes . SERJEANT TROUNCE Mr. Booth . CORPORAL FLINT........................ LAURETTA Mrs. Cargill . MRS. BRIDGET CREDULOUS Mrs. Pitt .

Drummer, Soldiers, Countrymen, and Servant.

SCENE A TOWN IN ENGLAND.

ACT I.

SCENE I. LIEUTENANT O'CONNOR's Lodgings.

Enter SERJEANT TROUNCE, CORPORAL FLINT, and four SOLDIERS.

1 Sol . I say you are wrong; we should all speak together, each for himself, and all at once, that we may be heard the better.

2 Sol . Right, Jack, we'll argue in platoons.

3 Sol . Ay, ay, let him have our grievances in a volley, and if we be to have a spokesman, there's the corporal is the lieutenant's countryman, and knows his humour.

Flint . Let me alone for that. I served three years, within a bit, under his honour, in the Royal Inniskillions, and I never will see a sweeter tempered gentleman, nor one more free with his purse. I put a great shammock in his hat this morning, and I'll be bound for him he'll wear it, was it as big as Steven's Green... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books