3 Review(s)

The Doctor’s Dilemma is one of George Bernard Shaw’s most thought-provoking and incisive plays, offering a sharp critique of medical ethics, social inequality, and the commercialization of healthcare. First performed in 1906, this play blends satire, philosophical debate, and dark humor, addressing moral dilemmas that remain highly relevant in modern medicine.The story follows Sir Colenso Ridgeon, a respected doctor who has discovered a groundbreaking tuberculosis treatment. However, due to limited resources, Ridgeon must decide who deserves treatment. This ethical dilemma intensifies when he must choose between Louis Dubedat, a brilliant but morally corrupt artist, and a more virtuous but ordinary patient. The situation becomes personal when Dubedat’s charming wife appeals to Ridgeon for help, creating a conflict between duty and personal attraction.Shaw masterfully explores power dynamics in the medical profession, exposing the corrupting influence of prestige and money. Through witty dialogue and compelling characters, the play challenges the audience to question whether doctors are selfless healers or selective gatekeepers of survival.A scathing satire of both the medical field and human morality, The Doctor’s Dilemma remains a compelling and provocative work that continues to spark discussions on healthcare ethics, access to treatment, and the responsibility of those in power. Shaw’s unique ability to blend humor with serious social critique makes this play one of his most enduring and thought-provoking works.