How He Lied to Her Husband By: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
How He Lied to Her Husband by Bernard Shaw is a witty and satirical play that delves into the complexities of romantic relationships in a humorous and thought-provoking manner. Shaw’s skillful storytelling and clever dialogue make this play an engaging and entertaining read. The play centers around the love triangle between the young and beautiful Aurora, her devoted husband Teddy, and her ardent admirer, Henry. When Aurora’s love letters to Henry are mistakenly given to Teddy, chaos ensues and a hilarious series of events unfolds. Shaw expertly uses mistaken identity and situational comedy to keep readers guessing and laughing throughout. One of the standout elements of the play is Shaw’s sharp wit and clever wordplay. His characters’ quick-witted banter and biting sarcasm add depth and entertainment to the story. Shaw’s keen observations on love, marriage, and the human condition are skillfully woven into the dialogue, making the play not only hilarious but also thought-provoking. The characters themselves are expertly crafted, each with their own unique quirks and flaws. Aurora is portrayed as a beautiful but somewhat naïve young woman who becomes entangled in a web of deceit. Teddy, her adoring husband, is portrayed with a blend of devotion and cluelessness, providing comedic relief in the midst of the chaos. And Henry, the charming scoundrel who lied to Aurora's husband, is captivating as both a manipulator and an object of sympathy. Shaw’s expert pacing and clever plot twists keep readers engaged and entertained from beginning to end. As the play reaches its climax, the tension builds, and the characters are forced to face the consequences of their actions. Shaw doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of love and relationships, providing a thought-provoking contrast to the comedic elements. Overall, How He Lied to Her Husband is a comedic gem that showcases Shaw’s sharp wit and astute observations on love and human nature. It is a play that entertains, challenges, and leaves readers reflecting on the complexities of romantic relationships. Shaw's skillful writing and engaging characters make this play a must-read for anyone who appreciates intelligent humor and insightful storytelling. First Page: HOW HE LIED TO HER HUSBAND By George Bernard Shaw PREFACE Like many other works of mine, this playlet is a piece d'occasion. In 1905 it happened that Mr Arnold Daly, who was then playing the part of Napoleon in The Man of Destiny in New York, found that whilst the play was too long to take a secondary place in the evening's performance, it was too short to suffice by itself. I therefore took advantage of four days continuous rain during a holiday in the north of Scotland to write How He Lied To Her Husband for Mr Daly. In his hands, it served its turn very effectively. I print it here as a sample of what can be done with even the most hackneyed stage framework by filling it in with an observed touch of actual humanity instead of with doctrinaire romanticism. Nothing in the theatre is staler than the situation of husband, wife and lover, or the fun of knockabout farce. I have taken both, and got an original play out of them, as anybody else can if only he will look about him for his material instead of plagiarizing Othello and the thousand plays that have proceeded on Othello's romantic assumptions and false point of honor. A further experiment made by Mr Arnold Daly with this play is worth recording. In 1905 Mr Daly produced Mrs Warren's Profession in New York. The press of that city instantly raised a cry that such persons as Mrs Warren are "ordure," and should not be mentioned in the presence of decent people... Continue reading book >>

How He Lied to Her Husband By: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

How He Lied to Her Husband by Bernard Shaw is a witty and satirical play that delves into the complexities of romantic relationships in a humorous and thought-provoking manner. Shaw’s skillful storytelling and clever dialogue make this play an engaging and entertaining read.

The play centers around the love triangle between the young and beautiful Aurora, her devoted husband Teddy, and her ardent admirer, Henry. When Aurora’s love letters to Henry are mistakenly given to Teddy, chaos ensues and a hilarious series of events unfolds. Shaw expertly uses mistaken identity and situational comedy to keep readers guessing and laughing throughout.

One of the standout elements of the play is Shaw’s sharp wit and clever wordplay. His characters’ quick-witted banter and biting sarcasm add depth and entertainment to the story. Shaw’s keen observations on love, marriage, and the human condition are skillfully woven into the dialogue, making the play not only hilarious but also thought-provoking.

The characters themselves are expertly crafted, each with their own unique quirks and flaws. Aurora is portrayed as a beautiful but somewhat naïve young woman who becomes entangled in a web of deceit. Teddy, her adoring husband, is portrayed with a blend of devotion and cluelessness, providing comedic relief in the midst of the chaos. And Henry, the charming scoundrel who lied to Aurora's husband, is captivating as both a manipulator and an object of sympathy.

Shaw’s expert pacing and clever plot twists keep readers engaged and entertained from beginning to end. As the play reaches its climax, the tension builds, and the characters are forced to face the consequences of their actions. Shaw doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of love and relationships, providing a thought-provoking contrast to the comedic elements.

Overall, How He Lied to Her Husband is a comedic gem that showcases Shaw’s sharp wit and astute observations on love and human nature. It is a play that entertains, challenges, and leaves readers reflecting on the complexities of romantic relationships. Shaw's skillful writing and engaging characters make this play a must-read for anyone who appreciates intelligent humor and insightful storytelling.

First Page:

HOW HE LIED TO HER HUSBAND

By George Bernard Shaw

PREFACE

Like many other works of mine, this playlet is a piece d'occasion. In 1905 it happened that Mr Arnold Daly, who was then playing the part of Napoleon in The Man of Destiny in New York, found that whilst the play was too long to take a secondary place in the evening's performance, it was too short to suffice by itself. I therefore took advantage of four days continuous rain during a holiday in the north of Scotland to write How He Lied To Her Husband for Mr Daly. In his hands, it served its turn very effectively.

I print it here as a sample of what can be done with even the most hackneyed stage framework by filling it in with an observed touch of actual humanity instead of with doctrinaire romanticism. Nothing in the theatre is staler than the situation of husband, wife and lover, or the fun of knockabout farce. I have taken both, and got an original play out of them, as anybody else can if only he will look about him for his material instead of plagiarizing Othello and the thousand plays that have proceeded on Othello's romantic assumptions and false point of honor.

A further experiment made by Mr Arnold Daly with this play is worth recording. In 1905 Mr Daly produced Mrs Warren's Profession in New York. The press of that city instantly raised a cry that such persons as Mrs Warren are "ordure," and should not be mentioned in the presence of decent people... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Comedy
Literature
Play

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Wikipedia – Bernard Shaw
Wikipedia – How He Lied to Her Husband

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