Money: A Comedy, in Five Acts

by John M Kingdom

Money - A Comedy, in Five Acts is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1874. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, and other genres. As a publisher we focus on the preservation of historical literature. Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.

Genres: Classics, Plays, Fiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1942

Reviews

[Dusty · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know how, in middle school, kids like to "test" their friendships through deceit and backhandedness? By concocting elaborate lies about themselves, spreading them, seeing who believes, who doesn't, and who responds like a "true friend" supposedly should?

That's essentially the plot of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's mean-hearted Money.

I don't mean the play is entirely unenjoyable or even stylistically flawed. It's a satirical look at avaricious Victorian England -- an epoch of men who live and die by the amount of cash in their pocket. The lead character, Alfred Evelyn, is a down-and-out intellectual who happens into a fortune when a wealthy relative deceases and leaves him millions. Of course, along with unexpected wealth come unexpected encumbrances -- social expectations to live up to, new friends who wouldn't have give you the time of day when you weren't wealthy, etc. Anyway, Evelyn devises his childish prank ("I'll make everyone believe I lost my fortune gambling! Won't they squirm! What fun!") to enact his revenge upon society, and we, the audience, are supposed to take joy in his behaving just as badly as the other characters. A few characters do perform as well as they must in Evelyn's moral obstacle course (i.e. they don't abandon or censure him when his fortune appears uncertain) -- and one of these characters, Clara Douglas, proves her charity so clearly that Evelyn decides she's worthy enough to become his wife. How lucky for her.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 3:
Samuel West makes his radio directorial debut with a new adaptation by Kate Clanchy of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's vibrant and good-hearted satirical comedy. The play was recorded on location at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, the stately home of Edward Bulwer-Lytton, which he inherited in 1843 shortly after writing 'Money'.

[Pithee · Rating 4 out of 5]

BBC

[Zelda Burrows · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many characters. Lacks the simplicity that enhances the beauty of drama

[Phoebe Jeziel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erruuummm I more skimmed than read the play, but I for the parts that I read all the way through I enjoyed it. A little boring plot wise, but the sarcasm really came through and made me snort.

I forgot to add this one for my last English exam. Whoops.