How He Lied to Her Husband

"How He Lied to Her Husband" by George Bernard Shaw is a one-act playlet written in the early 20th century, during the Edwardian era. This lightened yet socially insightful piece revolves around a comedic scenario involving a married woman, her young lover, and her unsuspecting husband, exploring themes of love, infidelity, and the societal ramifications of romantic relationships. Shaw utilizes humor and sharp wit to critique the moral fabric of his time and the absurdities that arise from romantic entanglements. In the play, Aurora, a married woman, becomes frantic when she realizes that her lover, the beautiful youth Henry, has inadvertently left behind a collection of love poems addressed to her. Her anxiety revolves around the implications these poems could have if discovered by her husband, Teddy. As the two discuss the potential fallout, their banter reveals the tensions inherent in infidelity and the absurdities of their situation. When Teddy returns home unexpectedly, both Aurora and Henry must navigate a comedic and precarious situation filled with misunderstandings and clever repartee, ultimately leading to a moment of surprising revelation and resolution. Shaw's humorous take on the complexities of relationships adds depth to the seemingly frivolous plot, showcasing his adeptness at blending comedy with social commentary. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Bernard Shaw, known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1913) and Saint Joan (1923). With a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory, Shaw became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.