The Admirable Crichton
by J. M. Barrie
' The Admirable Crichton' Summary
Act One
Act one is set in Loam Hall, the household of the Earl of Loam, a British peer, with Crichton being his butler. Loam considers the class divisions in British society to be artificial. He promotes his views during tea parties, where servants mingle with his aristocratic guests, to the embarrassment of all. Crichton particularly disapproves, considering the class system to be "the natural outcome of a civilized society".
Act Two
Loam, his family and friends, and Crichton are shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. The resourceful Crichton is the only one of the party with any practical knowledge, and he assumes, initially with reluctance, the position of leader. This role begins to take on sinister tones when he starts training Ernest, one of the young aristocrats with them, to break a liking for laboured epigrams by putting his head in a bucket of water whenever he makes one. Crichton's social betters at first resist his growing influence and go their separate ways, but in a pivotal scene they return, showing their acquiescence by accepting the food Crichton alone has been able to find and cook.
Act Three
In act three, the play has advanced two years. Crichton has civilised the island with farming and house building and now, called "the Guv.", is waited on with the trappings and privileges of power, just as his master had been in Britain. Lady Mary, Loam's daughter, falls in love with him, forgetting her engagement to Lord Brocklehurst at home. Just as she and Crichton are about to be married by a clergyman who was shipwrecked with them, the sound of a ship's gun is heard. After a moment's temptation not to reveal their whereabouts, Crichton makes the conventionally decent choice and launches a signal. As the rescuers greet the castaways, he resumes his status as butler.
Act Four
Subtitled "The Other Island", the final act is set back at Loam Hall, where the status quo ante has returned uneasily. The Loams and their friends are embarrassed by Crichton's presence, since Ernest has published a false account of events on the island, presenting himself and Lord Loam in key roles. Lady Brocklehurst, Lord Brocklehurst's mother, quizzes the family and servants about events on the island, suspecting that Lady Mary might have been unfaithful to Lord Brocklehurst. The household evades these questions, except for a final one when Lady Mary reacts with shock – "Oh no, impossible..." – to the suggestion that Crichton might become butler at her married household. To protect her, Crichton explains the impossibility is due to his leaving service, and the play ends with his and Lady Mary's regretful final parting.
Book Details
Author
J. M. Barrie
Scottish
Barrie knew that he wished to follow a career as an author. However, his family attempted to persuade him to choose a profession such as the ministry. With advice from Alexander, he was able to work o...
More on J. M. BarrieDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen
The Wild Duck is an 1884 play by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It is considered the first modern masterpiece in the genre of tragicomedy. The...
The Snow Queen and Other Stories by Hans Christian Andersen
The story began with a young girl that grew up with a step mom and two sisters. The mother did not like Martha and everyday make her work harder then...
Shakespeare Monologues Collection vol. 13 by William Shakespeare
This is the thirteenth collection of monologues from Shakespeare's plays. Our readers have chosen their favourite monologues from Shakespeare's famous...
At The Sign of The Greedy Pig by Charles S. Brooks
In the heart of a quaint, sleepy village, hidden away from the prying eyes of the modern world, lies "At The Sign of The Greedy Pig" by Charles S. Bro...
Arms and the man by George Bernard Shaw
It’s 1885, and Raina’s bourgeois Bulgarian family is caught up in the heady patriotism of their war with Serbia. The beautiful and headstrong Raina ea...
Athaliah by Jean Racine
In the ancient kingdom of Judah, a relentless battle for power ensues, shrouded in a web of ambition, loyalty, and divine intervention. Jean Racine's...
Asinaria; or, The Ass-Dealer by Titus Maccius Plautus
In the lively and comedic play "Asinaria; or, The Ass-Dealer" by Titus Maccius Plautus, ancient Athens becomes the backdrop for a tale of greed, love,...
Countess Julie by August Strindberg
Miss Julie is a naturalistic play written in 1888 by August Strindberg. It is set on Midsummer's Eve and the following morning, which is Midsummer and...
The Devil's Disciple by George Bernard Shaw
The Devil's Disciple is an 1897 play written by Irish dramatist George Bernard Shaw. The play is Shaw's eighth, and after Richard Mansfield's original...
Reviews for The Admirable Crichton
No reviews posted or approved, yet...