Heartbreak House is a play by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1920. It is set in the early 20th century, in the English countryside, and follows the lives of the eccentric and wealthy Captain Shotover and his family. The play begins with the arrival of a young woman, Ellie Dunn, who has been invited to stay with the Shotovers. She is soon joined by a variety of other guests, including the charming and mysterious Hector Hushabye, the wealthy businessman Boss Mangan, and the mysterious and dangerous figure of the Russian anarchist, Professor Ratchett. The guests soon find themselves in the midst of a heated debate about the state of the world, and the need for change. As the play progresses, the characters’ relationships become increasingly complex, and the play culminates in a dramatic climax. Heartbreak House is a powerful and thought-provoking play, exploring themes of love, death, and the need for social change. It is a classic of modern drama, and remains one of Shaw’s most popular works.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1919 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance · 4 chapters