Caste: an original comedy, in three acts

by T.W. Robertson (Creator)

Excerpt from Caste: An Original Comedy in Three Acts
Mindful of the stern decrees of Caste, D'Alroy has tried to dispel his infatuation by various means, but to no purpose; finally he turns for advice to his friend Captain Hawtree, who, being a man of the world, counsels anything but marriage, in view of the social gulf between the lovers, and subsequently runs afoul of Mr. Sam Gerridge, Polly's sweetheart and something in the mechanical line. But in spite of their difference in station, in spite of the dictates of reason, in spite of the world, D'Alroy declares himself to Esther and is accepted.
Six months later finds the pair happily married and quartered in lodgings, without the knowledge of D'Alroy smother, the Marquise of St. Maur, whom he has not informed of his marriage, fearing to incur her displeasure. Meanwhile D'Alroy has been ordered off to India, on active service with his regiment, but can not bring himself to break the news to his wife. While devising some means of disclosing the unwelcome tidings, he is surprised by a visit from his mother, who comes to bid him adieu and urge him to distinguish himself as becomes his birth and position. Esther overhears this conversation from an adjoining room and is overwhelmed at the prospect of her husbands departure. This precipitates the truth about D'Alroy's mesalliance, to the horror of the Marquise, whose disgust is heightened by the appearance of Polly, Sam and old Eccles, each of whom is presented in turn, and the high born lady expresses her contempt in no uncertain terms. The time for departure having arrived, D'Alroy goes off with Hawtree, after comforting his wife as best he can, and leaving suitable provision for her maintenance during his absence.
One year after, Esther, with her child, is back in her old home, her husband reported captured and killed by the Sepoys and her money squandered by old Eccles. Too proud to appeal to the Marquise for aid, though urged so to do by Hawtree, who has returned and proved his friendship in many ways, she is stung by insulting offers of charity from her husbands mother who has learned of her situation through a begging letter privately sent by Eccles. While at supper, Polly, Sam and Hawtree are thunderstruck at the apparition of D'Alroy, the report of whose death proves untrue. The joyful news is broken gently to Esther, and an affecting reunion ensues between husband and wife. The Marquise, overjoyed at her son's restoration, becomes willingly reconciled to her new daughter; Eccles is comfortably disposed of by Hawtree, whose fiancee has jilted him for a man of higher rank; Polly and Sam purchase the fixtures and good will of the late Binks, plumber, and a climax of happiness is reached, despite the inexorable laws of Caste.
Costumes.
George D'Alroy. - Act I; Black coat and vest, gray trousers with black seam, derby hat. Act II; British officers uniform, blue, dead gold cord to trousers, spurs. Act III; Black suit, short skirted coat, low crowned black hat. Carries watch throughout.
Hawtree. - Act I; Like D'Alroy. Act II; Like D'Alroy, sword on. Act III; Black walking suit. Watch.

Genres: Plays

102 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2010

About the author

Thomas William Robertson (9 January 1829 – 3 February 1871), usually known professionally as T. W. Robertson, was an English dramatist and innovative stage director best known for a series of realistic or naturalistic plays produced in London in the 1860s that broke new ground and inspired playwrights such as W.S. Gilbert and George Bernard Shaw.

Reviews

[Vanessa Gatsby · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Stacey Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't necessarily call this a comedy, although there were some funny parts in it. This had to do with classism more than anything else. I was delighted to see that the George didn't let his standings come in the way of true love, and Esther did not succumb to his mother's demands. In the end true love conquers all.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Another 19th century play, this time a comedy that's not really that funny (with the exception of Sam, he cracked me up), but does have a happy ending. Caste engages, as you might expect, with issues of class/caste, and the plot centers on a cross-caste love story. Though it's not exactly transgressive, this play challenged some pretty static social codes. However, the ending disappointingly establishes the couple as the exception, rather than a new rule.

[H E L E N A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very chaotic but in a good way though

[Lucas Lorente · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caste “You can't love nor marry a women of a lower class than you!”
George “Tell that to my wife, who I love”