The Devil’s Disciple

By George Bernard Shaw

Publish Date: September 1, 2004

Publisher: 1st World Library – Literary Society

ISBN-10: 1595403000

ISBN-13: 978-1595403001

Print Length: 128 pages

In the frigid dawn of a winter’s morning in 1777, Mrs. Dudgeon, an elderly woman living on the outskirts of Websterbridge, New Hampshire, finds herself alone and weary after a night of wakeful labor. Her appearance is marred by the harsh lines etched into her face, a testament to both the bitter temper and fierce pride that have shaped her life. Despite her gruff exterior, she commands respect among her neighbors for her strict adherence to Puritan traditions, despite their own inclination towards drinking and excess. Shaw explores the intricate social dynamics of 18th-century New England through the lens of Mrs. Dudgeon’s character, revealing a complex tapestry of hypocrisy and moral ambiguity.

Mrs. Dudgeon is a woman who has worked tirelessly for little in return—dominion over her sordid home and a reputation for piety that belies her inner rebelliousness. Her neighbors, while recognizing the severity of her moral stance, also see it as an excuse to indulge in their own vices under the guise of self-denial. As a result, Mrs. Dudgeon is paradoxically lauded for her virtue even as she secretly indulges in all manner of pleasures short of outright sin.

Shaw’s The Devil’s Disciple offers a rich and nuanced portrayal of life in 18th-century America, challenging readers to question the true nature of virtue and vice. This classic work invites reflection on the complexities of human character and the often murky boundaries between right and wrong.