<영어로 읽는 고전 _ 버나드 쇼의 희극 _ 아우구스투스의 인생> "Augustus Does His Bit"는 조지 버나드 쇼(George Bernard Shaw)가 쓴 단막극입니다. 1917년 처음 출간된 이 작품은 전쟁, 관료주의, 위기 상황에서 인간 행동의 부조리 등을 주제로 탐구하는 풍자 코미디입니다. 이 연극은 제1차 세계 대전을 배경으로 하고 있으며, 처음에는 꺼렸음에도 불구하고 자신도 모르게 전쟁 노력에 휘말리게 된 아우구스투스라는 인물을 중심으로 진행됩니다. Shaw는 재치와 유머를 사용하여 사회적 규범과 전쟁의 비합리성을 비판하며 "Augustus Does His Bit"를 풍자를 통한 Shaw의 독특한 사회 논평 스타일의 전형적인 예로 만듭니다.
< Classics to read in English _ Augustus Does His Bit _ A True-to-Life Farce by Bernard Shaw > "Augustus Does His Bit" is a one-act play written by George Bernard Shaw. It was first published in 1917 and is a satirical comedy that explores themes such as war, bureaucracy, and the absurdities of human behavior during times of crisis. The play is set during World War I and centers around a character named Augustus who finds himself unwittingly caught up in the war effort, despite his initial reluctance. Shaw uses wit and humor to critique societal norms and the irrationality of war, making "Augustus Does His Bit" a classic example of Shaw's unique style of social commentary through satire.
Summary In the small town of Little Pifflington, Lord Augustus Highcastle tells his secretary Horatio Beamish that the war is a very serious matter, especially as he has three German brothers-in-law. He soon learns that a female spy is after an important document in his possession. A glamorous woman visits him. After flattering him by saying how important he is, she tells him that she suspects her sister-in-law of being the spy. She explains that Augustus' brother, known as "Blueloo", has made a bet that Augustus can be easily tricked, and intends to use this woman to prove it. If she can get the document, a list of British gun emplacements, and take it to "Blueloo", Augustus's incompetence will be exposed.
