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The Irrational Knot Being the Second Novel of His Nonage   By: (1856-1950)

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The Irrational Knot, written by Bernard Shaw, is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating novel that delves into various social and philosophical issues of its time. As the second novel in Shaw's Nonage series, it showcases the author's signature wit and sharp critique of societal norms.

The story revolves around the lives and relationships of a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities. Shaw weaves together their narratives in a way that highlights the irrationalities and contradictions inherent in the socio-economic system of Victorian society. Through the interactions between characters from various social classes, the author emphasizes the inequality and injustice prevalent at the time.

One of the central themes explored in the novel is the role of marriage and its impact on individuals. Shaw challenges the conventional notions of love and matrimony, questioning whether they are truly based on genuine affection or merely a societal construct. The characters in The Irrational Knot find themselves entangled in relationships that are influenced by economic considerations and social expectations, leading to conflicts and struggles for self-discovery.

Furthermore, Shaw tackles the subject of women's rights and their place in society. He presents strong and independent female characters who actively challenge the traditional gender roles assigned to them, advocating for their own autonomy and equality. The author's progressive ideas regarding gender equality were considered revolutionary at the time and still resonate with contemporary readers.

While The Irrational Knot delves into deep philosophical and social issues, Shaw's wit and humor bring lightness to the narrative. His clever dialogues and satirical critiques of Victorian society add an enjoyable layer to the thought-provoking themes explored throughout the novel.

One aspect that might prove challenging for readers is Shaw's use of long and elaborate dialogues, as well as his detailed descriptions and explanations of abstract concepts. However, those willing to invest the time and effort will be rewarded with a profound understanding of Shaw's ideas and the societal context within which he wrote.

Overall, The Irrational Knot is a captivating novel that challenges the status quo and invites readers to question societal norms. Shaw's sharp wit, social commentary, and exploration of complex themes make it a must-read for fans of his work and anyone interested in Victorian society and its underlying contradictions.

First Page:

THE IRRATIONAL KNOT

BY BERNARD SHAW BEING

THE SECOND NOVEL OF HIS NONAGE

1905

PREFACE

TO THE AMERICAN EDITION OF 1905

This novel was written in the year 1880, only a few years after I had exported myself from Dublin to London in a condition of extreme rawness and inexperience concerning the specifically English side of the life with which the book pretends to deal. Everybody wrote novels then. It was my second attempt; and it shared the fate of my first. That is to say, nobody would publish it, though I tried all the London publishers and some American ones. And I should not greatly blame them if I could feel sure that it was the book's faults and not its qualities that repelled them.

I have narrated elsewhere how in the course of time the rejected MS. became Mrs. Annie Besant's excuse for lending me her ever helping hand by publishing it as a serial in a little propagandist magazine of hers. That was how it got loose beyond all possibility of recapture. It is out of my power now to stand between it and the American public: all I can do is to rescue it from unauthorized mutilations and make the best of a jejune job.

At present, of course, I am not the author of The Irrational Knot. Physiologists inform us that the substance of our bodies (and consequently of our souls) is shed and renewed at such a rate that no part of us lasts longer than eight years: I am therefore not now in any atom of me the person who wrote The Irrational Knot in 1880... Continue reading book >>




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