Read The Admirable Crichton by J. M. Barrie Online or Download the PDF for Free
The Admirable Crichton: A Classic Comedy by J. M. Barrie
If you are looking for a witty and entertaining play that will make you laugh and think, you should read The Admirable Crichton by J. M. Barrie. This classic comedy, first performed in 1902, is still relevant and enjoyable today. In this article, you will learn what the play is about, how to download a PDF version of it for free, how to enjoy it in other formats, and how to learn more about it and its author.
the admirable crichton pdf download
Introduction: What is the play about and why is it worth reading?
The Admirable Crichton is a satire of the British class system and the social norms of the Edwardian era. It tells the story of a wealthy aristocratic family and their loyal butler who are shipwrecked on a deserted island. There, they have to adapt to their new environment and their roles are reversed: the butler becomes the leader and the master becomes the servant.
The play is full of humor, irony, and surprises. It challenges the assumptions and prejudices of its time and exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of some social conventions. It also explores the themes of survival, human nature, and love in a humorous and touching way.
The Admirable Crichton is not only a comedy but also a masterpiece of literature. It is written by J. M. Barrie, one of the most famous and influential Scottish writers of all time. He is best known for creating Peter Pan, but he also wrote many other plays, novels, short stories, essays, and biographies. He was a master of dialogue, characterization, and storytelling.
Summary: A brief overview of the plot and the main characters
The play has four acts and takes place in two locations: Loam House in Mayfair, London, and an unnamed island in the Pacific Ocean.
The main characters are:
Lord Loam, a liberal-minded aristocrat who believes in equality among classes
Lady Mary Lasenby, his eldest daughter and heiress, who is proud and haughty
Lord Brocklehurst, her fiancé, who is dull and conservative
Honorable Ernest Woolley, her cousin, who is a vain and frivolous dandy
Catherine Lasenby, her younger sister, who is sweet and romantic
Agatha Lasenby, her youngest sister, who is shy and timid
Crichton, the butler, who is loyal, efficient, and respectful
Tweeny, the scullery maid, who is cheerful, hard-working, and in love with Crichton
In the first act, Lord Loam hosts a tea party for his servants, which he considers a progressive and benevolent gesture. However, his family and guests are embarrassed and uncomfortable by this act of social mixing. Crichton, the butler, is especially opposed to it, as he believes in the natural order and hierarchy of society. He tells Lord Loam that he would rather leave his service than attend another tea party.
In the second act, Lord Loam and his family, along with Crichton and Tweeny, go on a yachting expedition to the South Seas. A storm hits them and they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. They manage to salvage some supplies from the wreck, but they soon realize that they have no idea how to survive in the wilderness. Crichton takes charge and organizes them into a makeshift society. He teaches them how to build a shelter, make a fire, hunt for food, and defend themselves from wild animals. He also enforces a strict discipline and assigns everyone their duties according to their abilities. He becomes the undisputed leader and master of the island, while Lord Loam and his family become his humble servants.
In the third act, two years have passed and the castaways have settled into their new roles. Crichton is now called "the Guv." and lives in a comfortable house with Tweeny as his wife. Lord Loam is now called "Daddy" and works as a gardener. Lady Mary is now called "Polly" and works as a maid. Lord Brocklehurst is now called "Brocky" and works as a tailor. Ernest is now called "Erny" and works as a barber. Catherine is now called "Kitty" and works as a nurse. Agatha is now called "Gaggy" and works as a cook. They all respect and obey Crichton, who treats them kindly but firmly. They have also forgotten their former lives and identities, except for Lady Mary, who still remembers her past and secretly loves Crichton.
One day, a British naval ship arrives at the island and rescues them. Crichton decides to go back with them, even though he knows that he will lose his power and status. He also decides to sacrifice his love for Lady Mary and let her marry Lord Brocklehurst, as he thinks that it is the proper thing to do.
Themes: The main ideas and messages of the play
The Admirable Crichton explores several themes that are relevant to its historical and social context as well as to its modern audience. Some of these themes are:
Social class: The play questions the validity and stability of the class system that dominated British society in the early 20th century. It shows how class distinctions are artificial and arbitrary, and how they can be changed by circumstances. It also shows how class prejudices can affect people's behavior, attitudes, and relationships.
Survival: The play examines how people cope with extreme situations that threaten their survival. It shows how survival depends on cooperation, adaptation, innovation, and leadership. It also shows how survival can bring out the best or the worst in people.
Human nature: The play investigates what makes us human and what defines our identity. It shows how human nature is shaped by both nature and nurture, by both instinct and culture. It also shows how human nature can be flexible or rigid, noble or base, depending on the situation.
Love: The play explores the different forms and expressions of love that can exist between people. It shows how love can be romantic or platonic, passionate or rational, selfish or selfless. It also shows how love can be influenced by social norms or personal feelings.
How to Download The Admirable Crichton PDF for Free
If you want to read The Admirable Crichton in PDF format for free, you have several options to choose from. Here are some of them:
Why download a PDF version of the play?
A PDF version of the play has some advantages over other formats. For example:
You can read it on any device that supports PDF files, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, etc.
You can zoom in or out of the text to adjust it to your preferred size.
Where to find free PDF versions of the play online
There are many websites that offer free PDF versions of the play online. Some of them are:
Free Classic Ebooks: This website provides a PDF file of the play that you can download or read online. The file is 1.2 MB and has 72 pages.
Project Gutenberg: This website provides a HTML version of the play that you can convert to PDF using a free online tool. The HTML file is 180 KB and has 58 pages.
Freeditorial: This website provides an EPUB version of the play that you can convert to PDF using a free online tool. The EPUB file is 132 KB and has 58 pages.
How to download and read the PDF file on your device
To download and read the PDF file on your device, you need to follow these steps:
Choose one of the websites mentioned above and click on the link to access it.
Find the download button or link on the website and click on it to save the PDF file on your device.
Open the PDF file using a PDF reader app or program on your device. You can use any app or program that supports PDF files, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.
Enjoy reading the play on your device.
How to Enjoy The Admirable Crichton in Other Formats
If you prefer to enjoy The Admirable Crichton in other formats than PDF, you have many options to choose from. Here are some of them:
How to watch the play on stage or screen
If you want to watch the play on stage or screen, you can look for live performances or recorded adaptations of it. For example:
You can search for local theaters or online platforms that are showing or streaming the play live or recorded. You can use websites like What's On Stage, BroadwayHD, or Digital Theatre to find out more.
You can watch one of the film or television adaptations of the play that have been made over the years. Some of them are:
The Admirable Crichton (1918): A silent film directed by G. B. Samuelson and starring Gerald du Maurier and Irene Vanbrugh.
The Admirable Crichton (1957): A British comedy film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More and Diane Cilento.
Male and Female (1919): A silent film directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Gloria Swanson and Thomas Meighan.
We're Not Dressing (1934): A musical comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Bing Crosby and Carole Lombard.
Paradise Lagoon (1957): A British comedy film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More and Diane Cilento.
The Admirable Crichton (1968): A British television film directed by George Schaefer and starring Rex Harrison and Sally Ann Howes.
The Admirable Crichton (1988): A British television film directed by Michael Darlow and starring James Fox and Edward Fox.
How to listen to the play as an audiobook or podcast
If you want to listen to the play as an audiobook or podcast, you can look for audio recordings or productions of it. For example:
You can download or stream an audiobook version of the play from websites like LibriVox, Audible, or Amazon. You can choose from different narrators and formats.
You can listen to a podcast version of the play from websites like BBC Radio 4, Lamplighter Guild, or Podbean. You can enjoy the play as a radio drama or a discussion.
How to read the play as an ebook or a print book
If you want to read the play as an ebook or a print book, you can look for digital or physical copies of it. For example:
You can download or buy an ebook version of the play from websites like Project Gutenberg, Amazon Kindle, or Barnes & Noble Nook. You can choose from different formats and editions.
You can order or buy a print book version of the play from websites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository. You can choose from different formats and editions.
How to Learn More About The Admirable Crichton and J. M. Barrie
If you want to learn more about The Admirable Crichton and J. M. Barrie, you can look for additional resources and information about them. For example:
How to find out more about the historical and literary context of the play
If you want to find out more about the historical and literary context of the play, you can look for articles, essays, books, or documentaries that explore the background and significance of the play. For example:
You can read an article by Andrew Nash that analyzes the play as a critique of Edwardian society and culture. You can find it here: "The Admirable Crichton and the Perils of Simplicity".
You can read an essay by Peter Hollindale that examines the play as a reflection of Barrie's views on class, gender, and politics. You can find it here: "The Politics of Peter Pan: J. M. Barrie's The Admirable Crichton".
You can read a book by Ann C. Colley that discusses the play as a part of Barrie's fascination with islands and island literature. You can find it here: Nostalgia and Recollection in Victorian Culture.
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How to explore the biography and works of J. M. Barrie, the author of the play
If you want to explore the biography and works of J. M. Barrie, the author of the play, you can look for books, websites, or museums that tell his life story and showcase his literary legacy. For example:
You can read a book by Andrew Birkin that provides a comprehensive and intimate portrait of Barrie's life and career. You can find it here: J. M. Barrie and the Lost Boys.
You can visit a website by The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library that features a digital collection of Barrie's manuscripts, letters, photographs, and memorabilia. You can find it here: J. M. Barrie Collection.
You can visit a museum by The National Trust for Scotland that preserves Barrie's birthplace and childhood home in Kirriemuir, Scotland. You can find it here: J. M. Barrie's Birthplace.
How to join online communities and discussions about the play and its adaptations
If you want to join online communities and discussions about the play and its adaptations, you can look for forums, blogs, or social media platforms that are dedicated to fans and enthusiasts of the play and its author. For example:
You can join a forum by The J.M. Barrie Society that offers a space for members and guests to share their opinions and insights on Barrie's works and life. You can find it here: The J.M. Barrie Society Forum.
You can follow a blog by David Brassington that reviews and comments on various adaptations of Barrie's works, including The Admirable Crichton. You can find it here: The J.M. Barrie Literary Society.
You can follow a social media account by The Admirable Crichton Fan Club that posts news, trivia, quotes, and images related to the play and its adaptations. You can find it here: The Admirable Crichton Fan Club.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Admirable Crichton is a classic comedy by J. M. Barrie that you should not miss. It is a witty and entertaining satire of the British class system and a fascinating exploration of survival, human nature, and love. It is also a masterpiece of literature by one of the most famous and influential Scottish writers of all time.
If you want to read The Admirable Crichton, you can download a PDF version of it for free from various websites online. You can also enjoy it in other formats, such as stage or screen adaptations, audiobooks or podcasts, ebooks or print books. You can also learn more about it and its author by finding out more about the historical and literary context of the play, exploring the biography and works of J. M. Barrie, and joining online communities and discussions about the play and its adaptations.
So what are you waiting for? Download The Admirable Crichton PDF for free today and enjoy this classic comedy by J. M. Barrie!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Admirable Crichton and their answers:
Who is Crichton?Crichton is the butler of Lord Loam, a wealthy aristocrat who believes in equality among classes. He is loyal, efficient, and respectful, but he also believes in the natural order and hierarchy of society. He becomes the leader and master of the castaways on a deserted island after a shipwreck.
Who is the admirable Crichton?The admirable Crichton is the title of the play and also a nickname given to Crichton by Lady Mary, Lord Loam's eldest daughter and heiress. She secretly falls in love with him on the island, but she also respects and admires him for his skills, courage, and wisdom.
Who is J. M. Barrie?J. M. Barrie is the author of The Admirable Crichton and one of the most famous and influential Scottish writers of all time. He is best known for creating Peter Pan, but he also wrote many other plays, novels, short stories, essays, and biographies. He was a master of dialogue, characterization, and storytelling.
When was The Admirable Crichton written and performed?The Admirable Crichton was written in 1902 and first performed on November 4, 1902 at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. It was a success and ran for 144 performances. It was also performed in New York, Paris, Berlin, and other cities.
What are some adaptations of The Admirable Crichton?Some adaptations of The Admirable Crichton are:
The Admirable Crichton (1918): A silent film directed by G. B. Samuelson and starring Gerald du Maurier and Irene Vanbrugh.
The Admirable Crichton (1957): A British comedy film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More and Diane Cilento.
Male and Female (1919): A silent film directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Gloria Swanson and Thomas Meighan.
We're Not Dressing (1934): A musical comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Bing Crosby and Carole Lombard.
Paradise Lagoon (1957): A British comedy film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More and Diane Cilento.
The Admirable Crichton (1968): A British television film directed by George Schaefer and starring Rex Harrison and Sally Ann Howes.
The Admirable Crichton (1988): A British television film directed by Michael Darlow and starring James Fox and Edward Fox.
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