What Every Woman Knows (play) facts for kids
What Every Woman Knows is a popular play written by J. M. Barrie, the same author who created the famous story of Peter Pan. This play first opened in London on September 3, 1908. It was a big hit and ran for many performances, showing how much audiences enjoyed it!
The play also premiered in America in 1908, first in Atlantic City and then on Broadway in New York City. Famous actors like Maude Adams and Richard Bennett starred in the American production.
This story was written before women had the right to vote in many places. It explores the idea that women often have a quiet but powerful influence on the success of the men in their lives, even if no one sees it.
Contents
Main Characters and Original Casts
This section lists the main actors who first performed in What Every Woman Knows.
London Cast (1908)
- John Shand – Gerald du Maurier
- Alick Wylie – Henry Vibart
- David Wylie – Sydney Valentine
- James Wylie – Edmund Gwenn
- Maggie Wylie – Hilda Trevelyan
- Charles Venables – Norman Forbes
- Comtesse de la Briere – Mrs. Tree
- Lady Sybil Lazenby – Lillah McCarthy
- Maid – Madge Murray
American Cast (1908)
- John Shand – Richard Bennett
- Alick Wylie – R. Payton Carter
- David Wylie – David Torrence
- James Wylie – Fred Tyler
- Maggie Wylie – Maude Adams
- Charles Venables – Lumsden Hare
- Comtesse de la Briere – Ffolliott Paget
- Lady Sybil Lazenby – Beatrice Agnew
- Maid – Lillian Spencer
- First Elector – James L. Carhart
- Second Elector – Wallace Jackson
- Third Elector – W. H. Gilmore
Play Summary: The Story of Maggie and John
The play tells the story of the Wylie family, who are Scottish and have done well for themselves. They are worried about their daughter, Maggie, because she is not considered beautiful and they fear she might never marry.
A Strange Agreement
One night, the Wylies discover a young university student named John Shand breaking into their house. He isn't stealing, though! He's just trying to read books from their large library because he is poor and cannot afford to buy books for his law studies.
Maggie Wylie and John Shand make a deal. Maggie's family agrees to pay for John's education for five years. In return, John promises to marry Maggie once he finishes his studies.
Maggie's Secret Influence
John keeps his promise and marries Maggie, even though he doesn't love her. Maggie knows her husband wants to become a Member of Parliament, which is a big political job. She quietly uses her intelligence and connections to help John get elected.
Maggie continues to support his career from behind the scenes. She never lets him see that she is the real reason for his success and rise to fame.
A Test of True Support
Eventually, John starts to think that Maggie is too plain for a man of his important position. He begins to spend time with Lady Sybil Lazenby, who is beautiful and from a high-ranking family.
Maggie is ready to let her husband go if Sybil can help him more than she can. However, when John needs to prepare a very important speech that could make or break his career, he realizes that Sybil cannot help him at all. He then understands that Maggie is his true inspiration and the one who truly supports him.
See also
In Spanish: What Every Woman Knows (obra de teatro) para niños
