The Devil's Disciple - George Bernard Shaw

Summary

Set in colonial New Hampshire during the American War of Independence in 1777, 'The Devil's Disciple' opens with the austere Dudgeon family mourning the death of Peter Dudgeon. Richard Dudgeon, the family's rebellious and cynical black sheep, inherits the estate, much to the dismay of his pious relatives. Despite his reputation as an atheist and a "devil's disciple," Richard demonstrates surprising moral integrity and kindness, particularly towards the illegitimate Essie. When local minister Anthony Anderson is sought by the British for his revolutionary sympathies, Richard, through a misunderstanding or deliberate choice, allows himself to be arrested in Anderson's place. Richard faces a court-martial and is condemned to hang. However, a dramatically transformed Anthony Anderson, now a courageous revolutionary leader, returns just in time with news of a truce and a prisoner exchange, saving Richard's life. The play explores the contrast between conventional morality and true heroism, self-sacrifice, and the surprising depth found beneath outward appearances.

Book Sections

Section 1: Act I

The play begins in the Dudgeon household in Websterbridge, New Hampshire, in 1777. Mrs. Dudgeon, a stern and unforgiving Puritan matriarch, presides over her family, discussing the will of her recently deceased brother-in-law, Peter Dudgeon. The family treats Essie, Peter's illegitimate child, with disdain and discusses her future with little concern. Reverend Anthony Anderson, the amiable local minister, and his refined wife, Judith, arrive. The will is read by the lawyer, Timothy Dudgeon, revealing that the entire estate has been left to Richard Dudgeon, Peter's notorious nephew, who is considered the family's "black sheep" due to his rebellious nature and atheism. Richard arrives, cool and self-possessed, accepting his inheritance with a sardonic humor. He immediately takes Essie under his protection, asserting his unconventional principles and exposing the hypocrisy of his relatives. Judith, initially repulsed by Richard's reputation, finds herself both disturbed and strangely intrigued by his directness and unexpected kindness.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Anthony Anderson	Local minister; amiable, practical, initially conventional, somewhat timid.	To serve his congregation, maintain peace, uphold conventional morality.
Judith Anderson	Minister's wife; refined, pious, initially judgmental, later confused and attracted to Richard's unconventional nature.	To uphold her moral standards, find genuine goodness, understand her husband and Richard.
Mrs. Dudgeon	Stern, unforgiving, deeply religious, matriarch of the Dudgeon family.	To maintain strict Puritanical morality, condemn sin, secure her family's social standing.
Essie	Young, illegitimate, vulnerable, meek, appreciative of kindness.	To find protection, acceptance, and a place to belong.
Richard Dudgeon	"The Devil's Disciple"; cynical, rebellious, atheist, seemingly immoral but possesses deep, unconventional integrity and courage.	To live by his own principles, expose hypocrisy, challenge societal norms, act selflessly.
Peter Dudgeon	Deceased brother-in-law of Mrs. Dudgeon; eccentric, kind (by his will).	(Implied) To provide for Essie, perhaps to challenge the Dudgeon family's hypocrisy after his death.
Christopher Dudgeon	Mrs. Dudgeon's son; conventional, timid, easily swayed.	To follow his mother's dictates, secure his inheritance.
Titus Dudgeon	Mrs. Dudgeon's son; similar to Christopher, lacks strong convictions.	To follow his mother's dictates, secure his inheritance.
Timothy Dudgeon	Lawyer, one of the Dudgeon family.	To execute Peter Dudgeon's will.

Section 2: Act II

The scene shifts to Anthony Anderson's house later that same evening. Judith is agitated and conflicted, wrestling with her feelings about Richard. News spreads of the escalating American Revolution and the British crackdown on rebels. Anderson, though outwardly a mild minister, is revealed to have strong revolutionary sympathies. He prepares to flee, entrusting Judith with the care of Essie. Moments later, British soldiers, led by Major Swindon and a Sergeant, burst into the house seeking Reverend Anthony Anderson. Richard Dudgeon, who had been staying there, is mistaken for Anderson. Rather than reveal his true identity, Richard allows himself to be arrested, effectively sacrificing himself to protect the true minister. Judith, horrified, attempts to confess the truth, but Richard silences her, emphasizing his choice. Anderson, initially bewildered by the turn of events, quickly grasps the gravity of Richard's self-sacrifice and his own precarious situation. He sheds his ministerial coat, dons a more practical civilian outfit, and rides off, transformed from a pious clergyman into a man of action, now ready to lead the revolutionary cause.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Major Swindon	British officer; stiff, by-the-book, somewhat unimaginative, concerned with military order and duty.	To carry out orders, suppress the rebellion, capture rebels, uphold British authority.
Sergeant	British non-commissioned officer; practical, follows orders.	To perform his military duties.
British soldiers	Soldiers of the Crown; obedient, carry out orders.	To enforce British law and order.

Section 3: Act III

The final act takes place in the Council Chamber of General Burgoyne, commander of the British forces, serving as a makeshift court-martial. Richard Dudgeon is on trial for treason, still under the mistaken identity of Anthony Anderson. General Burgoyne is a witty, intelligent, and somewhat cynical man, who engages Richard in philosophical dialogue rather than a simple military interrogation. Richard maintains his defiant honesty, refusing to repent or deny his supposed role as a rebel, even as he faces a death sentence. Judith is present, distraught and torn. She attempts to save Richard by revealing his true identity and Anderson's escape, but Richard forbids her, confirming his intention to die for Anderson. Her feelings for Richard have deepened into a complex mix of admiration and love. Just as Richard is about to be condemned, a commotion outside signals the arrival of Anthony Anderson. However, he returns not as the mild minister but as a resolute revolutionary leader, now armed and bearing a flag of truce. He announces that he has captured Burgoyne's aide, Major Swindon, and offers him in exchange for Richard Dudgeon. A truce has been declared, and a prisoner exchange is underway. Burgoyne, amused by the dramatic turn of events and recognizing Anderson's newfound courage, accepts the exchange. Richard is saved, and the play concludes with Anderson fully embracing his new role as a military leader and Richard continuing his unconventional path, both men having revealed their true characters through extraordinary circumstances.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
General Burgoyne	British General; witty, intelligent, philosophical, somewhat cynical, pragmatic, values competence and wit over blind obedience.	To command effectively, manage the war, maintain order, but also to enjoy intellectual discourse and appreciate human nature.

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Genre: Historical Drama, Melodrama, Comedy of Ideas.

Author Facts:

• George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950): An Irish playwright, critic, polemicist, and political activist.
• He penned more than 60 plays, including 'Pygmalion', 'Major Barbara', and 'Saint Joan'.
• A fervent Fabian socialist, he was a vocal advocate for numerous social causes, such as women's rights, universal suffrage, and public health.
• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925, he initially declined the monetary prize.
• He is unique in being the only person to have received both a Nobel Prize in Literature and an Academy Award (for his screenplay adaptation of 'Pygmalion').

Morale:
The play subtly critiques conventional morality and societal labels, positing that true heroism and character are often found in unexpected individuals and manifest through unconventional acts. It argues that self-sacrifice and integrity are not exclusive to the outwardly "good" but can emerge from anyone, irrespective of their perceived virtue or vice. The narrative also highlights how extraordinary circumstances can transform individuals, unveiling hidden strengths and guiding them towards their true calling, as exemplified by Anderson's profound transformation.

Curiosities:

• 'The Devil's Disciple' was George Bernard Shaw's first significant commercial success, particularly popular in the United States, where its themes of American independence resonated deeply.
• Shaw humorously subtitled the play "A Melodrama," a deliberate choice to both categorize and playfully subvert the genre's expectations. While it features elements of high drama and clear character types, Shaw infused it with his characteristic intellectual wit and moral inquiry, elevating it beyond typical melodramatic fare.
• The character of General Burgoyne is based on the real historical figure, British General John Burgoyne, who was indeed a published playwright and known for his wit and theatrical inclinations, traits that Shaw expertly captured in his portrayal.
• The play touches upon Shaw's concept of the "Life Force" – an intrinsic drive that compels individuals to realize their potential, often defying societal norms. Richard's actions, seemingly immoral to some, are rooted in a deep, personal integrity, and Anderson's transformation is a powerful demonstration of this force.
• The plot's central element of mistaken identity leading to a sacrificial act is a classic melodramatic trope, but Shaw cleverly employs it to explore deeper philosophical questions about morality, duty, and the true essence of heroism.