If you're picturing corsets and fainting couches, think again. 'Candida' is a Victorian play that feels like it was written yesterday. The story is deceptively simple. In a cozy London vicarage, we meet Reverend James Morell—a socialist preacher loved by his congregation—and his wife, Candida. Their seemingly perfect marriage is interrupted by a wildcard: a young, starving poet named Marchbanks, who arrives and promptly declares his passionate, soul-deep love for Candida.

The Story

Marchbanks, all fiery idealism, believes Candida is a goddess trapped in a dull marriage to a man who just gives speeches. He challenges Morell to a kind of duel, not with swords, but with words, demanding that Candida choose between them. The catch? Everyone assumes she’s a prize to be won. The play’s genius is watching Candida, the calm center of this storm, listen to both men make their cases. Morell offers security, respect, and duty. Marchbanks offers poetry, beauty, and a life of intense feeling. In a stunning final scene, she puts them both on trial and makes a choice that surprises everyone, especially the audience.

Why You Should Read It

I love this play because it’s so clever about power. Shaw isn’t just writing about romance; he’s asking what makes a partnership work. Is it the man who needs the woman, or the woman who needs the man? Candida’s decision isn’t about passion versus safety in a cliché way. It’s a radical statement about practical, everyday strength being more vital than grand, dramatic gestures. She sees the men clearly—their weaknesses, their egos, their true needs—in a way they never see themselves. It’s incredibly satisfying.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves sharp dialogue and stories that make you think. If you enjoy Jane Austen’s social observations but wish they had a bit more bite, Shaw is your guy. It’s also great for book clubs—that ending is pure debate fuel. At its heart, 'Candida' is for anyone who’s ever been underestimated and relishes the chance to see a quiet, intelligent person take control of their own story.