The Man of Destiny   By: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

The Man of Destiny is a remarkable play by the renowned playwright, Bernard Shaw. Set in a quaint Italian inn during the height of the Napoleonic Wars, this gripping one-act play delves into the complexities of human nature, power dynamics, and love.

The story revolves around the enigmatic character of Napoleon Bonaparte, excellently portrayed by Shaw himself through his vivid descriptions and witty dialogues. As the play unfolds, Napoleon finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and desire when a mysterious lady enters his life. Shaw effortlessly fleshes out the characters, their motivations, and their flaws, painting a vivid picture of an era filled with political intrigue and personal ambition.

The strength of The Man of Destiny lies in Shaw's masterful storytelling and his ability to craft thought-provoking dialogues. The play is filled with sharp exchanges of words, political debates, and philosophical musings. Shaw challenges the audience to question societal norms and to reflect on the nature of power and its corrupting influence.

Furthermore, Shaw's portrayal of Napoleon is truly captivating. He showcases the Emperor's multidimensional personality, shedding light on his vulnerability, intelligence, and cunning. In Shaw’s hands, Napoleon becomes a human being rather than a historical icon, allowing the audience to empathize with his character and contemplate the inherent contradictions that lie within all individuals.

The play's setting, a peaceful Italian inn, provides a striking contrast to the tumultuous historical backdrop. Shaw’s attention to detail is evident in his portrayal of the inn's atmosphere, subtly enhancing the dramatic tension as the characters navigate their way through the intricacies of love and deceit.

However, one could argue that the play's brevity limits the exploration of certain themes and character development. While the dialogue is sharp and thought-provoking, some may desire more depth and nuance in the narrative. Nonetheless, Shaw's wit and intelligence compensate for this shortcoming, creating a memorable and impactful theatrical experience.

In conclusion, The Man of Destiny is a captivating play that offers readers a unique and engaging portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte. Shaw's combination of historical accuracy, philosophical musings, and intelligent dialogues make this play a standout in his illustrious career. Despite its brevity, The Man of Destiny leaves a lasting impression, urging audiences to reflect on the nature of power, love, and the complexities of the human psyche.

First Page:

The twelfth of May, 1796, in north Italy, at Tavazzano, on the road from Lodi to Milan. The afternoon sun is blazing serenely over the plains of Lombardy, treating the Alps with respect and the anthills with indulgence, not incommoded by the basking of the swine and oxen in the villages nor hurt by its cool reception in the churches, but fiercely disdainful of two hordes of mischievous insects which are the French and Austrian armies. Two days before, at Lodi, the Austrians tried to prevent the French from crossing the river by the narrow bridge there; but the French, commanded by a general aged 27, Napoleon Bonaparte, who does not understand the art of war, rushed the fireswept bridge, supported by a tremendous cannonade in which the young general assisted with his own hands. Cannonading is his technical specialty; he has been trained in the artillery under the old regime, and made perfect in the military arts of shirking his duties, swindling the paymaster over travelling expenses, and dignifying war with the noise and smoke of cannon, as depicted in all military portraits. He is, however, an original observer, and has perceived, for the first time since the invention of gunpowder, that a cannon ball, if it strikes a man, will kill him. To a thorough grasp of this remarkable discovery, he adds a highly evolved faculty for physical geography and for the calculation of times and distances... Continue reading book >>