The Man of Destiny

Book excerpt: "The Man of Destiny" is a comedic play written by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1897. Set in Italy in 1796, the play is a fictionalized account of an encounter between Napoleon Bonaparte and a mysterious woman known as the Lady. The plot revolves around Napoleon, who is depicted as a young and ambitious military leader on the brink of greatness. He finds himself ensnared in a battle of wits with the Lady, a cunning and enigmatic figure who challenges his perception of himself and his place in history. As the play unfolds, Napoleon and the Lady engage in a series of verbal sparring matches, revealing their true characters and motivations. Through their interactions, Shaw explores themes of power, ego, and the nature of destiny, questioning whether individuals truly have control over their own fates.