THE BREADWINNER (1930) was William Somerset Maugham's third last play and is a comedy written in one continuous act.
“I don't want to be cruel. I merely said that in a well-regulated state, when people have outlived their utility, say at forty, they ought to be put out of their misery.” This was 18-year-old Patrick on parents he views as dull and useful only for their money, which he feels should be passed on to their children to enjoy. Imagine his surprise when his father declares himself equally bored by himself and his peers and, in fact, while not ready to bow out of life, he is very much ready to bow out of his role as father, husband and family breadwinner.
