The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet By: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
In "The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet," Bernard Shaw offers a captivating exploration of morality, faith, and the pursuit of justice. Set in the American West, the story revolves around the enigmatic character of Blanco Posnet, a horse thief facing trial for his crimes. Shaw's unique style shines through in this play, combining witty dialogue with profound philosophical ideas. From the outset, the playwright challenges the religious beliefs of his audience by questioning the legitimacy of a justice system derived from a divine source. Through the voice of Posnet himself, Shaw forces readers to confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions about justice and punishment. The character development in this play is exceptional. Blanco Posnet, despite being a thief, is given depth and complexity by Shaw. From his witty repartee to his philosophical musings, Posnet embodies the inner struggle between good and evil that exists within every individual. Shaw's elegant writing transports us into Posnet's troubled mind, making us question our own moral compasses in the process. Beyond its thematic explorations, Shaw's play also offers an astute critique of societal norms and conventions. Through the interactions of various characters, including Posnet's love interest, the fiercely independent preacher's daughter, Shaw unveils the hypocrisies and contradictions that often exist within organized religion. This critique challenges readers to reconsider their own blind conformity to societal conventions and encourages them to think critically about their own faith. One of the play's standout qualities is Shaw's masterful control of pacing and tension. Each scene builds anticipation and suspense, keeping readers engrossed until the very end. Shaw masterfully interweaves moments of levity with moments of profound introspection, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves a lasting impact. "The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet" is a thought-provoking play that blends social critique, philosophical inquiry, and intricate character development. Shaw's ability to challenge societal norms and provoke introspection is unparalleled. Although hailed for his ability to entertain, Shaw also pushes us to question our own beliefs, forcing us to confront the complexities of human nature. This play is a testament to Shaw's genius and his unwavering commitment to presenting captivating narratives that transcend time. First Page: Etext prepared by Eve Sobol, South Bend, Indiana, and Distributed Proofreaders TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: The edition from which this work was taken was printed without contractions, so there is Ill for I'll and dont for don't, for example, and show is spelt shew. THE SHEWING UP OF BLANCO POSNET BERNARD SHAW 1909 PREFACE THE CENSORSHIP This little play is really a religious tract in dramatic form. If our silly censorship would permit its performance, it might possibly help to set right side up the perverted conscience and re invigorate the starved self respect of our considerable class of loose lived playgoers whose point of honor is to deride all official and conventional sermons. As it is, it only gives me an opportunity of telling the story of the Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament which sat last year to enquire into the working of the censorship, against which it was alleged by myself and others that as its imbecility and mischievousness could not be fully illustrated within the limits of decorum imposed on the press, it could only be dealt with by a parliamentary body subject to no such limits. A READABLE BLUEBOOK Few books of the year 1909 can have been cheaper and more entertaining than the report of this Committee. Its full title is REPORT FROM THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON THE STAGE PLAYS (CENSORSHIP) TOGETHER WITH THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, MINUTES OF EVIDENCE, AND APPENDICES... Continue reading book >>

The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet By: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

In "The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet," Bernard Shaw offers a captivating exploration of morality, faith, and the pursuit of justice. Set in the American West, the story revolves around the enigmatic character of Blanco Posnet, a horse thief facing trial for his crimes.

Shaw's unique style shines through in this play, combining witty dialogue with profound philosophical ideas. From the outset, the playwright challenges the religious beliefs of his audience by questioning the legitimacy of a justice system derived from a divine source. Through the voice of Posnet himself, Shaw forces readers to confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions about justice and punishment.

The character development in this play is exceptional. Blanco Posnet, despite being a thief, is given depth and complexity by Shaw. From his witty repartee to his philosophical musings, Posnet embodies the inner struggle between good and evil that exists within every individual. Shaw's elegant writing transports us into Posnet's troubled mind, making us question our own moral compasses in the process.

Beyond its thematic explorations, Shaw's play also offers an astute critique of societal norms and conventions. Through the interactions of various characters, including Posnet's love interest, the fiercely independent preacher's daughter, Shaw unveils the hypocrisies and contradictions that often exist within organized religion. This critique challenges readers to reconsider their own blind conformity to societal conventions and encourages them to think critically about their own faith.

One of the play's standout qualities is Shaw's masterful control of pacing and tension. Each scene builds anticipation and suspense, keeping readers engrossed until the very end. Shaw masterfully interweaves moments of levity with moments of profound introspection, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves a lasting impact.

"The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet" is a thought-provoking play that blends social critique, philosophical inquiry, and intricate character development. Shaw's ability to challenge societal norms and provoke introspection is unparalleled. Although hailed for his ability to entertain, Shaw also pushes us to question our own beliefs, forcing us to confront the complexities of human nature. This play is a testament to Shaw's genius and his unwavering commitment to presenting captivating narratives that transcend time.

First Page:

Etext prepared by Eve Sobol, South Bend, Indiana, and Distributed Proofreaders

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: The edition from which this work was taken was printed without contractions, so there is Ill for I'll and dont for don't, for example, and show is spelt shew.

THE SHEWING UP OF BLANCO POSNET

BERNARD SHAW

1909

PREFACE

THE CENSORSHIP

This little play is really a religious tract in dramatic form. If our silly censorship would permit its performance, it might possibly help to set right side up the perverted conscience and re invigorate the starved self respect of our considerable class of loose lived playgoers whose point of honor is to deride all official and conventional sermons. As it is, it only gives me an opportunity of telling the story of the Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament which sat last year to enquire into the working of the censorship, against which it was alleged by myself and others that as its imbecility and mischievousness could not be fully illustrated within the limits of decorum imposed on the press, it could only be dealt with by a parliamentary body subject to no such limits.

A READABLE BLUEBOOK

Few books of the year 1909 can have been cheaper and more entertaining than the report of this Committee. Its full title is REPORT FROM THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON THE STAGE PLAYS (CENSORSHIP) TOGETHER WITH THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, MINUTES OF EVIDENCE, AND APPENDICES... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – Bernard Shaw
Wikipedia – The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet

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