Gambling by George Bernard Shaw
The play Gambling by George Bernard Shaw is a satirical comedy that explores the themes of morality and social class in Victorian England. The story follows the exploits of a group of wealthy gamblers who are forced to confront their own hypocrisy when they become embroiled in a scandal involving a young woman from a lower social class. Through its witty dialogue and sharp observations, Gambling offers a biting critique of the values and attitudes of Victorian society.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1903 · Genre: Social Commentary, Philosophical, Satire · 66 words
First lines
The most popular method of distributing wealth is the method of the roulette table.
The roulette table pays nobody except him that keeps it. Nevertheless a passion for gaming is common, though a passion for keeping roulette tables is unknown.
Gambling promises the poor what Property performs for the rich: that is why the bishops dare not denounce it fundamentally.
What this Textopian page supports
Gambling is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Commentary, Philosophical, Satire, Drama
- Length: 66 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Gambling by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Gambling?
- How does this essay by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Commentary first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Professor Milliters Dilemma by Grant Allen
- Virtues And Vices by George Bernard Shaw
- On A Miser Who Had Built A Stately Mansion by George Borrow
- The Sentimentalism Of Divorce by G. K. Chesterton
- The Gamble by Gilbert Frankau
Genres
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal structures and the distribution of wealth.
- Philosophical — It explores themes of wealth, morality, and human behavior.
- Satire — The writing style uses irony to criticize gambling and societal norms.
- Drama — The narrative presents conflict between societal values and individual desires.
Tags
gambling · risk · morality · society · human nature · addiction · wealth · loss · chance · decision-making · psychology · drama