Key Facts:

• Full Title: You Never Can Tell
• Playwright: George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
• When Written: 1896
• Where Written: London, England
• When Published: 1897
• Literary Period: Victorian Era (Late 19th century)
• Genre: Comedy of manners
• Setting: A seaside resort in England, primarily at a dentist's office and the Marine Hotel
• Climax: The climax occurs when Mr. Crampton’s identity as the father of the Clandon children is revealed, leading to a family confrontation.
• Point of View: The play is written from a third-person dramatic perspective (typical of plays, with characters speaking directly to each other).
• Tense: Present tense.
• About the Title: The title “You Never Can Tell” reflects the unpredictability of life and relationships, the play’s central theme. It suggests that outcomes are often uncertain, especially in matters of love, family, and societal expectations.