
In a sleepy countryside town, a modest household becomes the stage for a lively comedy of manners. The chamberlain’s home buzzes with the chatter of his wife Emma, their daughter Hilma, and Hilma’s eager fiancé Onni, while the sharp‑tongued maid Reetta keeps a running commentary on the town’s gossip and occasional mischief. A sudden knock, a misplaced bottle of seltzer, and a handful of newspaper headlines set the scene for a series of witty exchanges that reveal the characters’ quirks and the everyday tensions of small‑town life.
As Onni tries to smooth over Hilma’s bad mood and win her forgiveness, Reetta’s observations and the occasional intrusion of a police officer add both humor and a touch of chaos. The play captures the charm of rural routines, the foibles of its residents, and the playful banter that keeps the audience laughing while wondering how the tangled relationships will untangle.
Full title
Pahassa pulassa Yksinäytöksinen huvinäytelmä
Language
fi
Duration
~53 minutes (51K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2007-01-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1848–1924
A Finnish playwright with a sharp eye for small-town life, he helped shape popular domestic comedy in the years after Aleksis Kivi. His lively plays poke fun at officials, shopkeepers, and everyday social manners with warmth and irony.
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