You Never Can Tell

"You Never Can Tell: A Comedy in Four Acts" is one of Bernard Shaw's most delightful and lighthearted plays, blending sharp social commentary with the classic structures of a drawing-room comedy. Set at a seaside resort, the narrative follows the unexpected reunion of the unconventional Clandon family-who have spent the last eighteen years in Madeira-with their long-estranged father. At the heart of the play is Valentine, a penniless young dentist, who finds himself entangled in a battle of wits and romantic pursuit with the eldest Clandon daughter, Gloria, a self-proclaimed "New Woman" committed to logic and modern independence.Through sparkling dialogue and humorous situations, Shaw explores themes of social class, parental authority, and the shifting dynamics of Victorian society. While less overtly political than some of Shaw's weightier works, the play remains a masterclass in characterization and irony, gently mocking the rigid conventions governing marriage and respectability. "You Never Can Tell: A Comedy in Four Acts" showcases Shaw's ability to subvert theatrical tropes, replacing melodramatic clichés with intellectual vitality. It remains a staple of the comedic stage, celebrated for its enduring wit and its vibrant depiction of the complexities of human relationships.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Pages: 128, Hardcover, Tradd Street Press