In "The Happy Hypocrite," Max Beerbohm crafts a whimsical fairy tale exploring the themes of artifice and authenticity. The protagonist, Lord George Hell, undergoes a fantastical transformation to win the woman he desires. This satirical novella delves into societal expectations, the pursuit of happiness, and the complex interplay between truth and pretense, all wrapped in Beerbohm's signature wit and ironic charm.
Klappentext
Lord George Hell, a worldly man, he is a dandy, fond of gambling, drinking, womanizing, and the like. He is enjoying lavish outdoor entertainment in London with his lover, La Gambogi, when a young and innocent dancer named Jenny Mere performs on the stage. A dwarf sitting with Lord George, revealed to be Cupid, shoots his arrow into Lord George's breast.