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The book "The Devil's Disciple" by George Bernard Shaw is a play set during the American Revolution. The story revolves around Richard Dudgeon, a young man who is considered a rebel and a sinner by his family. After his father's death, Richard inherits the majority of his property, much to the dismay of his mother and brother. Richard's defiant and satirical behavior leads to a series of events that ultimately result in his arrest and sentencing to death. However, with the help of Minister Anthony Anderson, who takes up arms and becomes a commander in the militia, Richard is saved from execution. The play explores themes of rebellion, morality, and the complexities of human character, set against the backdrop of the American Revolution and the defeat of the British at Saratoga. Through its characters, including General John Burgoyne and Minister Anderson, the play provides historical context and commentary on the events of the time. Ultimately, the play ends with Richard being hailed as a hero and Anderson starting his new life as a military commander, highlighting the nuances and complexities of human nature and the unpredictability of historical events.
The provided text is not a chapter of a book, but rather an introduction and table of contents for the eBook "The Devil's Disciple" by George Bernard Shaw. It includes information about the eBook's licensing, release date, language, and credits, as well as a link to the contents of the book, which is divided into three acts.
The scene is set in the Dudgeon household, where Mrs. Dudgeon, a strict and devout woman, is sitting up late at night waiting for news. Her son Christy arrives, and they discuss the recent death of Mrs. Dudgeon's husband, Timothy. The minister, Anthony Anderson, arrives and informs them that Timothy has left a new will, which is then read aloud. The will reveals that Timothy has left the majority of his property to his eldest son, Richard, who is considered a rebellious and sinful person by the family. The family is shocked and outraged by the will, and Mrs. Dudgeon is particularly upset as she had expected to inherit the property. Richard arrives and causes a stir with his defiant and satirical behavior, and the family eventually flees in fear as Richard reveals that he has been in contact with the devil and has promised to stand up for him. Essie, the illegitimate daughter of Timothy's brother, remains behind with Richard, and the two share a moment of connection as Richard allows her to stay with him. The scene ends with Richard's triumphant laughter and Essie's tears, as she kneels at his feet and kisses his fist.
The scene shifts to Minister Anderson's house, where he lives with his wife Judith. Anderson returns home on a rainy evening, and Judith is anxious and frightened, fearing that the English soldiers will arrest her husband. Anderson tries to comfort her and tells her that he had visited Richard Dudgeon earlier, who is also in danger of being arrested by Major Swindon. Richard arrives at the Andersons' house, and despite Judith's initial reluctance, he stays for tea. The atmosphere is tense, with Judith struggling to contain her hatred for Richard. Meanwhile, Anderson tries to make light of the situation and even jokes about Richard's reputation as a rebel. Just as things seem to be easing up, the English soldiers arrive to arrest Anderson, but Richard quickly takes his place, wearing Anderson's coat, and is taken away instead. Judith is devastated and tries to persuade Anderson to flee, but he decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out to rescue Richard, armed with pistols and money. As Anderson rushes out of the house, Judith is left behind, rigid with grief and shock, her mind fixed on the vision of Richard's impending death.
The scene opens with Judith, who has had a sleepless night, being invited to see Richard, who is to be executed. Richard is brought in, and they have a final conversation before his execution. Judith tries to persuade him to save himself, but he refuses, stating that he acted in cold blood and without motive. The court martial begins, and Richard is tried for being a rebel. Despite his defiant and satirical behavior, he is sentenced to death. However, just as the execution is about to take place, Anthony Anderson, Judith's husband, arrives with a safe-conduct and stops the execution. It is revealed that Anderson has taken up arms and is now a commander in the militia. Anderson and Burgoyne discuss the situation, and it becomes clear that the British are defeated. The play ends with Richard and Judith together, and Anderson starting his new life as a military commander. The British soldiers march off defiantly, while the townsfolk celebrate their victory. Richard is hoisted onto the shoulders of the crowd and cheered as a hero.
The scene is set in a waiting room where Judith, who has had a sleepless night, is allowed to see Richard, who is to be executed. The two share a moment of connection, and Judith begs Richard to save himself, but he refuses. Richard is then brought before a court martial, where he is tried for being a rebel. Despite his defiant behavior, he is sentenced to death. However, just as the execution is about to take place, Anthony Anderson, Judith's husband, arrives with a safe-conduct and stops the execution. It is revealed that Anderson has taken up arms and is now a commander in the militia. The play ends with Richard and Judith together, and Anderson starting his new life as a military commander. The British soldiers march off defiantly, while the townsfolk celebrate their victory, and Richard is hoisted onto the shoulders of the crowd and cheered as a hero.
This chapter provides historical context and background information on General John Burgoyne, a character in the play. The author describes Burgoyne as a unconventional stage soldier and a faithful portrait of the real person. The chapter delves into Burgoyne's military career, his objection to profane swearing, and his humane and enlightened views within aristocratic limits. It also discusses his surrender at Saratoga, his defeat, and how he was thrown over to screen a court favorite. The author highlights Burgoyne's critical temperament, talent, and fastidious delicacy of sentiment, which made him disliked by stupid people. The chapter also includes Burgoyne's reply to the articles of capitulation proposed by General Gates, showcasing his wit and character. Additionally, the chapter mentions other real persons, such as Brudenell, an artillery chaplain who distinguished himself at Saratoga, and provides some historical context to the events of the play.
The chapter provides historical context and background information on General John Burgoyne, a character in the play. It describes his military career, his objection to profane swearing, and his humane and enlightened views within aristocratic limits. The chapter also delves into Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, his defeat, and how he was thrown over to screen a court favorite. Additionally, it discusses the English sense of honor and how it was perverted when the privileges and prestige of the aristocracy were at stake. The chapter also mentions Brudenell, an artillery chaplain who distinguished himself at Saratoga, and notes that while some characters and events in the play are fictional, they are based on real people and events. The author reflects on the human comedy of history, where the certainty of the victors is only part of the story, and the dramatist's role is to portray the complexities and nuances of human character.