Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth is a classic Irish novel that delves into the decline of the Rackrent estate, capturing the complexities of Irish society and politics in the 18th century. Written in the form of a satirical family history, it presents the perspectives of various tenants, each reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the time….
The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay is a satirical ballad opera that cleverly critiques 18th-century politics, society, and corruption. Set in a criminal underworld mirroring upper-class behavior, it follows the story of the roguish highwayman Macheath, who is caught in a web of betrayal, love, and deceit. With humorous commentary on greed, hypocrisy, and power,…
Bleak House follows the intertwined lives of several characters as they navigate the labyrinthine English legal system, particularly the interminable case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story is narrated by Esther Summerson, a kind-hearted orphan raised by a cold guardian. The case, which has dragged on for generations, symbolizes the corruption and inefficiency of the…
Arms and the Man is a comedy by George Bernard Shaw, set during the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War. The play satirizes romanticized notions of war and love, challenging the idealistic views of heroism and passion prevalent in society. Shaw uses witty dialogue and clever characters to debunk these fantasies, encouraging a more practical view of both…
