Timothys brother Peter Essay Example For Students

Timothys brother Peter Essay In the play, The Devils Disciple by George Bernard Shaw, the playwright shows a lot of conflict between the good and bad. In Act 1, Scene 1, he conflicts the behaviour of Mrs Dudgeon and Anthony Anderson in many ways. Starting with Mrs Dudgeons first line, it is spoken sharply. In the stage directions, Mrs Dudgeon buries her face in her hands, as it is her duty as a widow to be overcome by grief, suggesting she is not at all overcome by grief, so possibly, Shaws intent was that she cried overdramatically when it is performed on stage. The first impression of Anderson is that he is shrewd, genial We will write a custom essay on Timothys brother Peter specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now With something of authority of his profession in his bearing. Other words used are sensible strong, healthy keen, cheerful no doubt an excellent parson Shaw obviously thinks a great deal of him, respecting him. He does not say anything bad about him. Shaw is displaying Anderson as a loving and kind man. He looks compassionately at Mrs Dudgeon, stating that the lord had laid his hand very heavily upon her. She in turn replies with intensely recalcitrant resignation. The conflict between them had already arisen, very clear. Mrs Dudgeon spitefully comments that her husband Timothys brother Peter deserved it, if ever a man did. We are told later that she in fact was in love with Peter. Possibly Shaw in intending that we notice that she is not very forgiving and good Christians are supposed to be forgiving. Being a parson, one would consider Anderson to be shocked at this blurted response, but instead his reply is put forward gently. He then changes, turning grave, when talking of a subject, which clearly distresses him a bit, telling her of Richard (her eldest sons) presence at the execution. Mrs Dudgeon turns disagreeably surprised then vindictive, talking of her own son as a wicked, dissolute, godless-, then asking with evident dread if Timothy saw him. This shows she is bitter and not loving at all. She is greatly relieved when told her good husband didnt see her bad son. Although she then sneers when told he was greatly touched and impressed by his brothers awful death. Although she is a good Christian, she seems to feel no remorse at all for her brother in laws death.