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Cover of "I'll Leave It To You": A Light Comedy In Three Acts

"I'll Leave It To You": A Light Comedy In Three Acts

Written by Noël Coward

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Comedy playsInheritance and succession

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About this book

"I'll Leave It To You" by Noel Coward is a light comedy play written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the Dermott family, who face financial troubles after the death of their father. The story unfolds at their home, Mulberry Manor, introducing the family members as they grapple with their situation and await the arrival of their wealthy Uncle Daniel, who may be their last hope for assistance. The opening of the play sets the scene during a chilly winter afternoon, just days before Christmas. We meet various members of the Dermott family: Sylvia, the practical eldest daughter; Bobbie, the carefree and dreamy son; and Joyce, the youngest, who seeks comfort in familial affection. They express concern over their mother's worries about money, hinting at their precarious financial state. As they discuss ways to contribute to the family's survival, their Uncle Daniel is introduced as the potential solution to their troubles. Unknown to them, Daniel has some unconventional ideas about wealth and legacy that could dramatically change their lives.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in "I'll Leave It To You": A Light Comedy In Three Acts, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • witty
  • light-hearted

Noël Coward's debut full-length play, "I'll Leave It To You," is a light comedy in three acts that explores the impact of an unexpected inheritance on a financially struggling family. The Dermott family, comprising a widowed mother and her four adult children, receives a substantial sum from an eccentric uncle, but with the peculiar stipulation that they must each 'do something' with their lives within a year. This condition throws their comfortable idleness into disarray, forcing them to confront their ambitions, or lack thereof, and navigate the comedic challenges of newfound purpose. The play charmingly satirizes genteel poverty, artistic pretension, and the transformative, often absurd, power of money.

“"Money is a most tiresome thing. It either gives you too much trouble or not enough."”

Key themes

Ambition and Artistic Pursuit
The play extensively explores the nature of ambition, particularly in the artistic realm. It questions whether ambition can be manufactured or truly inspired, and whether genuine talent is a prerequisite for pursuing art. The Dermott children's attempts at playwriting, singing, composing, and painting highlight the comedic gap between their aspirations and their abilities, satirizing the superficiality of artistic pretension.
The Influence of Money and Inheritance
The inheritance serves as the primary catalyst for the entire plot, showcasing how a sudden influx of wealth (or the promise of it) can drastically alter family dynamics and individual motivations. The play examines how money can be both a blessing and a curse, liberating characters from financial constraints but also burdening them with unexpected responsibilities and existential dilemmas.
Family Dynamics and Interdependence
At its heart, "I'll Leave It To You" is a family play. It portrays the complex relationships within the Dermott household, including the exasperated but loving mother, the bickering but ultimately supportive siblings, and the external pressures that test their bonds. The shared challenge of the inheritance forces them to interact in new ways, revealing underlying affections and frustrations.

Worth discussing

How does the play define 'doing something' with one's life? Is the family's interpretation valid?

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