Man and Superman - Fable

Man and Superman – Fable

The play opens with Ramsden, an elderly gentleman in his study. He is shortly joined by Octavius, the adopted son of Mr. Whitefield (who has just recently died). They discuss Mr. Whitefield’s death and how much his care meant to Octavius and his sister Violet, who was adopted along with him when their own father died. Discussion turns to a bound book on Ramsden’s table, whereupon it is revealed to be The Revolutionist’s Handbook, a social text written by a dear friend of Octavius’  (Tanner) whom Ramsden despises for personal and social reasons. Despite this dislike, Tanner was well-liked by Mr. Whitefield and his family, and thus has arrived for this mourning (as well as the will-reading). Upon his arrival, verbal barbs are traded between he and Ramsden, though nothing too vile at this juncture. Ramsden leaves to attend to the women of the house, while Conversation between the two friends turns to Ann Whitefiled, biological daughter of the late Mr. Whitefield. Octavius is quite smitten with her and wishes to marry her, but knows he must wait until her mourning has passed. Tanner rails against social custom and marriage in particular, stating that Octavius (as an artist) is an awful candidate for such a union, believing that an artist has a purpose higher than that of being destroyed by a woman, whose only purpose is marked within the drive to create, be it new life or new union. Their argument is cut short when Ramsden returns in shock, having learned that Mr. Whitefield has decreed in his will that guardianship of his daughter Ann shall be split between himself and Tanner. They both object to this; Ramsden because of his distaste for Tanner, and Tanner for his desire to remain free of entanglements. Ann arrives, and after teasing Octavius a bit, enforces that her father’s will must absolutely be followed, and plays the two men against each other until they consent to the guardianship. Mrs. Whitefield tells that Violet has been seen going to a certain doctor (implied to be a “family” doctor), and everyone is outraged. Violet refuses to tell who the man who impregnated her is, to the further rage of all but Tanner, who congratulates her unconventionality. This insults her, prompting her to reveal that she had her marriage in secret, but still refuses to tell his name. Tanner is embarrassed.

     Some time later, we meet Hector, a wealthy American visiting the countryside as a friend of Octavius. We learn, as the audience, that Hector is Violet’s secret husband, but has remained secret for the moment until he can convince his wealthy father to allow the union. Tanner, after railing further against marriage learns that Ann intends to marry him, rather than Octavius. He promptly flees to Spain, out of guilt and fear of Ann.

     The whole group follows him, led by Ann (falsely) to believe it is a planned outing for all to enjoy. Hector’s father (Malone) shows up, having learned that Violet is in love with his son (not knowing they are wed). He and Violet argue over her merit, but he refuses, on the grounds that Hector must marry one of a different class (either higher or lower). He does this that one of the members benefit socially from the union. Hector shows up and reveals the secret that he is Violet’s husband. All but Malone are relieved. Ann reveals that she never loved Octavius, and was merely toying with him, despite pretending otherwise, stating that an artist should live with a broken heart, and that is how she intends him to live. She finally corners Tanner and convinces him to marry her, though he resists quite a bit, and makes a talky fuss to the amusement of the rest of the group, save for Octavius, who is (rather understandably) slightly less enthused and rather more brokenhearted.