Cover of Belinda: An April Folly in Three Acts

Belinda: An April Folly in Three Acts

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  • 1 hour to read
  • 3 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Belinda: An April Folly in Three Acts" by A. A. Milne is a comedic play likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Belinda Tremayne, a charming widow enjoying her solitude in Devonshire, as she navigates the playful dynamics of potential suitors and the unexpected arrival of her daughter, Delia. Central to the narrative is the exploration of romantic entanglements and the humor that arises from misunderstandings and the efforts to maintain decorum in social interactions. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Belinda and her servant, Betty, as they prepare Belinda’s garden for an afternoon encounter. Their light-hearted banter sets a whimsical tone, hinting at Belinda's desire to fend off unwanted attention from Mr. Baxter, her prim suitor, while anticipating the arrival of a more poetic Mr. Devenish. Delia’s return from school introduces a new dynamic, as mother and daughter share affectionate, yet humorous interactions about Belinda's past and current romantic prospects. The scene unfolds with playful dialogues and a hint of intrigue involving Delia's potential future and Belinda’s own flirtations, establishing a lively backdrop for the ensuing comedic chaos.

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  • English drama · 20th century

Read the opening

Act I

It is a lovely April afternoon—a foretaste of summer—in BELINDA'S garden.

BETTY, a middle-aged servant, is fastening a hammock—its first appearance this year—to a tree down L. In front there is a garden-table, with a deck-chair on the right of it and a straight-backed one to the left. There are books, papers, and magazines on the table. BELINDA, of whom we shall know more presently, is on the other side of the open windows which look on to the garden, talking to BETTY, who crosses to R. of hammock, securing it to tree C.

BELINDA (from inside the house). Are you sure you're tying it up tightly enough, Betty?

BETTY (coming to front of hammock). Yes, ma'am; I think it's firm.

BELINDA. Because I'm not the fairy I used to be.

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Contents

  1. Act I
  2. Act II
  3. Act III

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About this edition

This free edition of Belinda: An April Folly in Three Acts by A. A. Milne comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #6992, released 2004-11-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Romance, Humour, Plays/Films/Dramas, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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