Summary:
The Devil’s Disciple is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1897. It is set during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) and follows the story of Richard Dudgeon, a self-proclaimed “devil’s disciple”, who undergoes a transformation from a rebellious outcast to a selfless hero.
The play takes place in New Hampshire, where the British army is trying to suppress the American rebellion. Richard, known for his atheism and defiance of societal norms, unexpectedly sacrifices himself when British soldiers mistake him for Reverend Anthony Anderson, a peaceful minister. Rather than correcting them, Richard chooses to face execution, demonstrating true courage and selflessness. However, he is ultimately saved when Anderson, inspired by Richard’s bravery, takes action against the British.
The play explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, hypocrisy, and transformation. Shaw contrasts true virtue with religious hypocrisy, suggesting that actions define morality more than words. Richard, though considered a “devil’s disciple,” proves to be the most noble character in the story.
1. : Who wrote The Devil’s Disciple?
(A) William Shakespeare
(B) George Bernard Shaw
(C) Oscar Wilde
(D) Arthur Miller
2. : When was The Devil’s Disciple written?
(A) 1885
(B) 1897
(C) 1901
(D) 1912
3. : What is the setting of the play?
(A) Victorian England
(B) American Revolutionary War
(C) French Revolution
(D) World War I
4. : Who is the protagonist of the play?
(A) Julius Caesar
(B) Richard Dudgeon
(C) Reverend Anderson
(D) General Burgoyne
5. : What does Richard Dudgeon call himself?
(A) A noble hero
(B) The devil’s disciple
(C) A man of God
(D) A patriot
6. : Why is Richard Dudgeon arrested?
(A) For stealing
(B) For speaking against the British
(C) Because he is mistaken for Reverend Anderson
(D) For refusing to fight in the war
7. : What is Reverend Anthony Anderson’s role at the beginning of the play?
(A) He is a cowardly, peaceful minister
(B) He is a British soldier
(C) He is a revolutionary leader
(D) He is a businessman
8. : How does Reverend Anderson change by the end of the play?
(A) He runs away to England
(B) He remains the same
(C) He becomes a military leader
(D) He betrays Richard
9. : What does The Devil’s Disciple critique the most?
(A) Love and relationships
(B) Hypocrisy in religion and society
(C) The importance of wealth
(D) The fall of the British Empire
10. : What is the main message of the play?
(A) True heroism comes from actions, not words
(B) Religion is always right
(C) War is the only way to achieve peace
(D) The British army was undefeatable