French Without a Master: A Farce in One Act

French Without a Master is a comedic farce written by Tristan Bernard and first published in 1899. Set in a hotel, the play humorously explores the chaos that ensues from language barriers, featuring a young couple, Gerald Forsyth and Séraphine Chanoine-Malherbe, who are eloping in London. When Séraphine's father arrives, misunderstandings arise due to a bumbling interpreter, leading to a series of comedic exchanges and mistaken identities. This work exemplifies Bernard's blend of humor and social commentary, highlighting the absurdities of cross-cultural interactions.