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The Title A Comedy in Three Acts   By: (1867-1931)

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The comedy genre has always had a way of captivating audiences and leaving them in stitches with its clever wit and humorous plotlines. In Arnold Bennett's play, "A Comedy in Three Acts," he perfectly demonstrates his mastery of comedic writing, leaving readers thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

The story revolves around a group of eccentric characters brought together by unusual circumstances. From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is introduced to Mr. Smith, an absent-minded professor renowned for his hilarious forgetfulness. Alongside him is his domestic help, Mrs. Baxter, whose sharp tongue and quick-witted remarks provide the perfect foil to Smith's comedic antics.

Bennett skillfully weaves together several subplots, creating a tapestry of comedic situations that interconnect in surprising and hilarious ways. The dialogue is sharp and filled with clever wordplay, ensuring that the humor never misses a beat. Each character has their own distinctive quirks and idiosyncrasies, adding to the comedic chaos that ensues throughout the play.

What sets this play apart is Bennett's ability to inject humor into everyday situations. He takes mundane moments and turns them into laugh-out-loud scenarios. Whether it's an awkward dinner party or a misunderstanding at the local grocery store, Bennett finds the comedy in the ordinary, reminding readers that laughter can be found in the most unexpected places.

Additionally, the pacing of the play is impeccable. Bennett manages to maintain a steady rhythm of comedic timing, ensuring that the punchlines land with precision. The witty banter between characters flows seamlessly, keeping the audience engaged and eagerly awaiting the next laugh-out-loud moment.

However, the play is not without its deeper themes. Beneath the surface of the hilarious situations lies a subtle commentary on human nature and societal expectations. Through the characters' interactions and their often ridiculous behavior, Bennett exposes the absurdities of social norms, inviting readers to question the conventions that govern their own lives.

In terms of structure, "A Comedy in Three Acts" is a well-crafted play that combines elements of farce and character-driven comedy. Each act builds upon the previous one, leading to a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends while leaving room for the audience's imagination to run wild with possibilities.

Overall, "A Comedy in Three Acts" is a delightful and uproarious play that showcases Arnold Bennett's skill as a comedic writer. With its memorable characters, clever dialogue, and brilliant situational comedy, this play is sure to have readers rolling in the aisles with laughter.

First Page:

The Title

A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS

BY ARNOLD BENNETT

LONDON CHATTO & WINDUS MCMXVIII

CHARACTERS

MR. CULVER MRS. CULVER HILDEGARDE CULVER } their children JOHN CULVER } TRANTO MISS STARKEY SAMPSON STRAIGHT PARLOURMAID

ACT I

An evening between Christmas and New Year, before dinner.

ACT II

The next evening, after dinner.

ACT III

The next day, before lunch.

The scene throughout is a sitting room in the well furnished West End abode of the Culvers. There is a door, back. There is also another door (L) leading to Mrs. Culver's boudoir and elsewhere.

ACT I

ACT I

Hildegarde is sitting at a desk, writing . John, in a lounging attitude, is reading a newspaper .

Enter Tranto, back .

TRANTO. Good evening.

HILDEGARDE ( turning slightly in her seat and giving him her left hand, the right still holding a pen ). Good evening. Excuse me one moment.

TRANTO. All right about my dining here to night? (Hildegarde nods .) Larder equal to the strain?

HILDEGARDE. Macaroni.

TRANTO. Splendid.

HILDEGARDE. Beefsteak.

TRANTO. Great heavens! ( imitates sketchily the motions of cutting up a piece of steak. Shaking hands with John, who has risen ). Well, John. How are things? Don't let me disturb you. Have a cigarette... Continue reading book >>




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