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Books by Shaw, Bernard

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Writer: Shaw, Bernard

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Misalliance — typographic cover

Level C1 · pages · English

Misalliance

Written by Shaw, Bernard

"Misalliance" by George Bernard Shaw is a play written in the late 19th century (Victorian era). The narrative revolves around Johnny Tarleton, a young business man, and his interactions with Bentley Summerhays, who aspires to marry Johnny's sister, Hypatia. The play explores themes of class, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships through witty dialogues and a series of humorous confrontations. The opening of the play introduces Johnny Tarleton in his father's house, where he is enjoying a relaxing weekend. Soon, his friend Bentley Summerhays arrives and struck by tension between their contrasting personalities, a heated argument about social status and what it means to be a man ensues. This conflict is further complicated by the presence of Hypatia, who navigates her own feelings and expectations regarding marriage and societal roles, as well as the family dynamics involving Johnny and their parents. The conversations and character dynamics set the stage for a comedic exploration of misalliances in love and society, foreshadowing a dramatic incident as an aeroplane crashes into their lives, bringing unexpected developments.

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Mrs. Warren’s Profession — typographic cover

Level C1 · pages · English

Mrs. Warren’s Profession

Written by Shaw, Bernard

"Mrs. Warren's Profession" by Bernard Shaw is a play written in 1893. It centers on Vivie Warren, a bright university graduate who finally meets her estranged mother—only to discover she's a former prostitute and current brothel owner. As their relationship unfolds, Vivie must grapple with her mother's past choices and present business dealings. Shaw crafted this problem play to argue that prostitution stems from economic necessity rather than moral failure, challenging Victorian society's hypocrisies about women's limited opportunities.

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The Dark Lady of the Sonnets — typographic cover

Level C1 · pages · English

The Dark Lady of the Sonnets

Written by Shaw, Bernard

"The Dark Lady of the Sonnets" by George Bernard Shaw is a short comedy written in 1910. The play imagines William Shakespeare waiting at Whitehall Palace for a secret meeting with his mysterious lover. Instead, he accidentally encounters Queen Elizabeth I and seizes the opportunity to pitch an ambitious idea: the creation of a national theatre. Shaw wrote this witty one-act play as part of a real campaign to establish a Shakespeare National Theatre by 1916, blending historical figures with literary mystery and theatrical ambition.

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Treatise on Parents and Children — typographic cover

Level C1 · pages · English

Treatise on Parents and Children

Written by Shaw, Bernard

"A Treatise on Parents and Children" by Bernard Shaw is a philosophical inquiry written in the late 19th century. This work explores the complex relationship between parents and children, questioning societal norms and advocating for a re-evaluation of how children are raised and treated. Shaw delves into the rights of children, the responsibilities of parents, and the implications of childhood education, making a case for recognizing children as autonomous individuals with their own needs and aspirations. The opening of the treatise sets a provocative tone by emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the continuous process of human development. Shaw challenges traditional views on childhood, which depict it as a mere preparatory phase for adulthood, and he argues that society often treats children as property lacking rights. He critiques the ways in which children are molded by parental expectations and societal pressures, suggesting that this often leads to the manufacture of moral and intellectual 'monsters.' Through sharp observations and rhetorical questioning, he encourages readers to consider the consequences of denying children their agency and the importance of fostering their natural inclinations rather than imposing arbitrary standards of behavior or belief.

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Suggested age, readers, English difficulty and US school grade are separate labels. Age groups are guidance based on source information or editorial review; unreviewed books are “Not assessed”. A US grade is assigned only with source information or a documented assessment; otherwise it is “Not assessed”. Levels use A1–C2 to indicate reading difficulty. StoryWeaver levels 1/2/3/4 use our approximate A1/A2/B1/B2 guide, labelled “estimated”; this is not an official equivalence. A book-specific assessment takes priority. Other unassessed books are labelled “Not assessed”. Source StoryWeaver levels are retained separately. Classics retain their original English.

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