The Tables Turned; or, Nupkins Awakened: A New and Original Farce, in Two Acts

The Tables Turned; or, Nupkins Awakened is a farce by Charles Dickens, first performed in 1841. The play is a satire on the snobbery and social climbing of the Victorian upper classes. It tells the story of a wealthy but ignorant man named Nupkins who is tricked into believing that he is a member of the aristocracy. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it has been revived several times in the years since its premiere.

The Tables Turned, or Nupkins Awakened (Classic Reprint)

by Russell Sullman

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4238 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	128 pages
Item Weight	:	7.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.98 x 0.25 x 9.02 inches
Hardcover	:	40 pages

FREE

Plot

The play opens with Nupkins, a wealthy but ignorant man, boasting to his friends about his social status. He claims to be a member of the aristocracy, and he even has a coat of arms to prove it. However, Nupkins's friends are not convinced. They know that he is a self-made man, and they suspect that he is lying about his social status.

To prove his point, Nupkins invites his friends to a grand ball. He promises to introduce them to all of the most important people in society. However, when the guests arrive, they are shocked to discover that Nupkins has been tricked. The people he has invited are all actors and actresses, and they are all pretending to be members of the aristocracy.

Nupkins is humiliated by the revelation, and he runs away in shame. His friends are left to pick up the pieces, and they vow to never trust him again.

Characters

Nupkins

Nupkins is a wealthy but ignorant man who is obsessed with his social status. He believes that he is a member of the aristocracy, and he goes to great lengths to prove his point. However, Nupkins is ultimately tricked into believing that he is a member of the aristocracy, and he is humiliated by the revelation.

Mrs. Nupkins

Mrs. Nupkins is Nupkins's wife. She is a kind and well-meaning woman, but she is also very naive. She believes everything that her husband tells her, and she is easily fooled by his lies.

Lord Frederick Verisopht

Lord Frederick Verisopht is a young aristocrat who befriends Nupkins. He is a charming and witty man, but he is also a bit of a scoundrel. He tricks Nupkins into believing that he is a member of the aristocracy, and he even helps him to plan his grand ball. However, Lord Frederick Verisopht is ultimately revealed to be a fraud, and he is run out of town.

Hon. Percy Popjoy

Hon. Percy Popjoy is a young aristocrat who is friends with Lord Frederick Verisopht. He is a vain and foolish man, and he is easily led by Lord Frederick Verisopht. He helps Lord Frederick Verisopht to trick Nupkins into believing that he is a member of the aristocracy, and he is also run out of town when the truth is revealed.

Themes

The Tables Turned; or, Nupkins Awakened is a satire on the snobbery and social climbing of the Victorian upper classes. The play shows how easily people can be fooled by appearances, and it warns against the dangers of trying to be something that you are not.

The play also explores the theme of identity. Nupkins is a man who is constantly trying to reinvent himself. He wants to be a member of the aristocracy, but he is not. He wants to be respected, but he is not. In the end, Nupkins is left with nothing but a sense of emptiness and self-doubt.

Critical Reception

The Tables Turned; or, Nupkins Awakened was a critical and commercial success when it was first performed in 1841. The play was praised for its wit, its satire, and its memorable characters. It has been revived several times in the years since its premiere, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.

Legacy

The Tables Turned; or, Nupkins Awakened is considered to be one of Charles Dickens's most successful plays. It is a sharp and witty satire on the Victorian upper classes, and it continues to be relevant today. The play has been adapted several times for film and television, and it is still performed regularly by amateur and professional theater companies.

The Tables Turned; or, Nupkins Awakened is a classic farce that has stood the test of time. It is a sharp and witty satire on the snobbery and social climbing of the Victorian upper classes, and it continues to be relevant today. The play is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that it is important to be true to yourself.

The Tables Turned, or Nupkins Awakened (Classic Reprint)

by Russell Sullman

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4238 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	128 pages
Item Weight	:	7.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.98 x 0.25 x 9.02 inches
Hardcover	:	40 pages

FREE