You never can tell

A comedy of manners and identity

George Bernard Shaw

124 pages, parution le 26/04/2024

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Résumé

"You Never Can Tell" by George Bernard Shaw is a comedic play set in a seaside resort in England during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a dentist's operating room and later on a hotel terrace, where the Clandon family, recently returned from Madeira, navigates the complexities of English society. The family consists of Mrs. Clandon and her three children: Gloria, Philip, and Dolly. The play opens with Dolly having a tooth extracted by a young dentist named Valentine, who is struggling to establish his practice. The Clandons, unfamiliar with English customs, invite Valentine to lunch, leading to a series of humorous and revealing interactions. The plot thickens with the introduction of Mr. Fergus Crampton, Valentine's landlord, who is revealed to be the estranged father of the Clandon children. The family dynamics are further complicated by the presence of Finch McComas, a solicitor and old acquaintance of Mrs. Clandon, who provides a link to the family's past. Throughout the play, Shaw explores themes of identity, family, and societal expectations, using wit and humor to critique the rigid social norms of the time. The characters' interactions are marked by sharp dialogue and comedic misunderstandings, particularly between the Clandon siblings and Valentine. Gloria, the eldest daughter, embodies the conflict between personal desires and societal pressures, while Philip and Dolly provide comic relief with their candid observations and youthful exuberance. The play culminates in a series of revelations and reconciliations, highlighting Shaw's belief in the possibility of personal growth and social change.