Summary of A Matter of Husbands by Ferenc Molnar class 12 English

 Who is 'A Matter of Husbands' writer, Ferenc Molnar?

Widely regarded as Hungary’s most celebrated and controversial playwright, Ferenc Molnár’s (1878–1952) primary aim was to entertain people by transforming his personal experiences into literary works of art. Out of his many plays, The Devil (1907), Lilion (1909), The Guardsman (1910), The Swan (1920), and The Play’s the Thing (1926) endure as classics. He immigrated to the United States to escape persecution of Hungarian Jews during World War II and later adopted American citizenship. Molnár’s plays continue to be relevant and are performed all over the world.

Main Summary

Published in 1923, A Matter of Husband sheds light on the basic function of actors: to make the audience believe in illusion 

Word Meanings of this essay

poised (adj.): in a state of balance

gilt (adj.): gold, or something resembling gold, applied to a surface in a thin layer

palpably (adv.): noticeably or clearly 

boudoir (n.): a woman’s bedroom or small private room 

gulp (v.): swallow or breath with difficulty, typically in response to strong emotion 

beseeching (adj.): (of a look or tone of voice) appealing or begging for something

implore (v.): beg someone desperately to do something

strut (v.): walk with a stiff, erect and apparently arrogant way 

lure (v.): to tempt or attract a person or an animal

appraisingly (n.): in a way that shows you judge the value, quality or nature of something or somebody

expedients (n.): means of attaining an end, especially ones which are convenient but possibly improper or immoral

scruples (n.): feelings of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of course of action 

contritely (adj.): in a way that shows you feel very sorry and guilty for something bad you have done 

impetuously (adj.): in an impulsive way, without considering the results