If you think Victorian dramas are all about stiff manners and hidden passions, George Bernard Shaw's 'Candida' is here to flip the script. It's a play that takes place mostly in one room, but the ideas it tackles are enormous.

The Story

The Reverend James Morell is a successful, socialist preacher, adored by his congregation and convinced he has a perfect marriage to his wife, Candida. Their comfortable world is disrupted by the arrival of Eugene Marchbanks, a sensitive, 18-year-old poet. Eugene isn't just a guest; he's wildly in love with Candida and sees her husband as a pompous blowhard who doesn't deserve her. He declares his love openly, forcing a crisis.

Instead of a jealous fight, Shaw does something brilliant. Morell, confident in his role as provider and protector, is so sure of Candida's love that he invites the competition. He tells Candida she must choose between them. The entire play builds to this moment where Candida, often spoken about, finally speaks for herself. Her judgment isn't about romantic love in the way either man expects. She delivers a stunning verdict on what she needs, revealing the quiet strength and practical reality at the heart of their marriage, and leaving both men—and the audience—to see everything in a new light.

Why You Should Read It

I love this play because it completely dismantles the 'damsel in distress' trope. Candida is no victim. She's the calm, intelligent center of the storm, fully aware of both men's illusions about her. Shaw uses his famous wit not just for jokes, but as a scalpel to cut through hypocrisy. He makes you laugh at Morell's smugness and Eugene's dramatic despair, all while asking serious questions: Is love about worship or partnership? What's the real value of domestic labor? The dialogue crackles, and the 'choice' at the end is one of the most surprising and satisfying conclusions I've read.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves smart, talky plays that pack a punch (fans of Oscar Wilde will feel right at home). It's also great for book clubs, because that ending is guaranteed to spark debate. If you're interested in early feminist ideas, relationships that defy simple labels, or just a brilliantly constructed story where the quietest person in the room is actually the strongest, you need to meet Candida. It's a short, sharp, and unforgettable read.