The Little Man: A Farcical Morality in Three Scenes

"The Little Man: A Farcical Morality in Three Scenes" by John Galsworthy is a short play that falls within the genre of drama, likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around social themes and moral dilemmas, examining human nature and the concept of duty towards others, particularly in the context of class and altruism. Through a comedic lens, Galsworthy addresses profound moral questions and critiques societal behaviors. The play takes place in three scenes, primarily involving a diverse group of characters at an Austrian railway station. At the center of the story is the titular Little Man, who finds himself in a rather absurd situation after accidentally taking a baby from its mother. Throughout the interactions with the other travelers—an American, an English couple, a German, and a Dutch boy—the Little Man grapples with themes of responsibility, selflessness, and the social implications of class distinctions. The characters engage in humorous yet thought-provoking discussions that highlight their attitudes towards duty and brotherhood, culminating in a moment of crisis when the Little Man must defend his actions to an official and a policeman. Ultimately, the play wraps up with a comedic yet uplifting resolution that emphasizes kindness and the intrinsic value of humanity. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 78.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read. Originally issued 2004-09-26. Transcribed by Produced by David Widger. This work is in the public domain in the United States. Sourced from Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2919).