Plot Summary

The Doctor's Dilemma

George Bernard Shaw
Guide cover placeholder

The Doctor's Dilemma

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1906

Book Brief

George Bernard Shaw

The Doctor's Dilemma

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1906
Book Details
Pages

88

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

London • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1906

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Doctor's Dilemma by George Bernard Shaw, a 20th-century play, revolves around Dr. Ridgeon, a renowned physician who must decide who deserves his lifesaving tuberculosis treatment. Faced with selecting patients among many, Ridgeon encounters moral and ethical challenges, particularly when choosing between a talented but unethical artist and a dedicated doctor serving the poor.

Informative

Humorous

Contemplative

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.6

798 ratings

53%

Loved it

37%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Many reviewers praise The Doctor's Dilemma for its sharp wit and incisive commentary on medical ethics and social issues, reflecting Shaw's signature style. However, some critics note that the play's moral complexities can feel heavy-handed. Overall, it is lauded for its engaging dialogue and thought-provoking themes but can be divisive in its direct critique of societal norms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Doctor's Dilemma?

Readers who relish the intricate moral questions in The Doctor's Dilemma by George Bernard Shaw will appreciate its blend of wit, sharp social critique, and ethical dilemmas. Fans of Shaw's other works or Ibsen's A Doll's House will find this play particularly engaging due to its similar thematic inquiries into the human condition and society.

3.6

798 ratings

53%

Loved it

37%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

88

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

London • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1906

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!