
In this brisk one‑act comedy, a husband returns home to discover his wife entangled in a flirtation that quickly spirals into a web of deceit. The title hints at the central ruse—a falsehood the husband must deliver, setting off a cascade of misunderstandings and sharp repartee. Shaw’s dialogue crackles with wit, turning a familiar love‑triangle into a lively study of pride, jealousy, and the absurdities of social etiquette. The piece is designed as a short interlude, perfect for a rainy evening when the audience craves both laughter and a touch of truth.
The characters are drawn with a realistic edge that keeps the farce grounded; the wife is more than a stereotype, and the would‑be lover brings a breezy confidence that challenges conventional morals. As the lie unfolds, the audience watches the husband’s desperate attempts to preserve his honor while the household’s dynamics shift in unexpected ways. Though the plot stays light‑hearted, Shaw slips in pointed commentary on the hypocrisy of respectable society, making the laughter echo with deeper reflection.
Language
en
Duration
~48 minutes (46K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Eve Sobol, and David Widger
Release date
2002-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1856–1950
Known for witty, talkative plays that poke at class, politics, and human vanity, he helped reshape modern drama. His work ranges from sharp comedies to serious social critique, with "Pygmalion" remaining one of the best known.
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