The First and the Last: A Drama in Three Scenes

Name: The First and the Last: A Drama in Three Scenes
Author: John Galsworthy

By John Galsworthy

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British Literature Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A three-scene drama follows two brothers when the younger admits to killing a man after a violent encounter tied to a troubled woman; the elder, a successful barrister nearing a judgeship, confronts an urgent moral and legal dilemma about whether to conceal the crime. Scenes shift between the lawyer's study and the woman's room across a compressed timeline, tracing shifting loyalties, notions of honor, class contrasts, and the strain between professional duty and personal affection. The play examines ethical ambiguity, the consequences of protective instincts, and the quiet tensions that force an irrevocable choice.

About the Author

John Galsworthy

John Galsworthy was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his literary exploration of social issues and the human condition. His most notable work, the Forsyte Saga, delves into the lives of a wealthy family in Victorian England, highlighting themes of class and morality. Galsworthy's writing is characterized by its keen observation and rich character development, often reflecting his own experiences and the societal changes of his time. In addition to his novels, he contributed significantly to the theatre with plays such as "A Family Man" and "The Complete Plays of John Galsworthy." His works remain an important part of early 20th-century literature, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.