J.M. Barrie’s 1902 play, “The Admirable Crichton,” tells the story of an aristocratic British family stranded on a desert island. The play describes how their butler, Crichton, rises to leadership, satirizing Edwardian England's class distinctions and aristocracy. Edwardian society was into distinct social classes, with the aristocracy at the top and various levels of the working class below. Class distinctions were deeply entrenched, and individuals adhered to the strict roles and behaviors expected of them.

When Barrie was writing, England was experiencing an intense cultural shift. Social ails were rising to the fore; for the first time, issues such as class disparity were openly discussed. Many began to question the role of the aristocracy, calling it an outdated relic from a past age. In “The Admirable Crichton,” Barrie explores the absurdity of England's rigid social structures through wit and comedy. What makes this play noteworthy is the transformation of the characters, particularly the titular character, Crichton. 

When the play opens, Crichton is a happy servant. However, he is somewhat upset because Lord Loam, the master of the house, holds a monthly egalitarian tea in which he treats his servants as equals. Crichton dislikes this event, as it infringes on the expected household hierarchy and means he must serve tea to the other servants. As he tells Lady Mary, one of Lord Loam's daughters:  “It pains me, your ladyship. It disturbs the etiquette of the servants’ hall.” Crichton is a man for tradition and the status quo. Lord Loam, however, is full of lofty liberal ideas, though he seems comfortable continuing to benefit from his aristocratic position.

At tea, Lord Loam announces that the family will not be taking a full complement of servants with them on their upcoming yacht excursion. His daughters will need to share a single maid between them—something they and the other maids find highly displeasing. 

The second act picks up two months later, revealing that the understaffed yacht has been shipwrecked on a desert island. Lord Loam is presumed to have died in the disaster. Ernest, another aristocrat, composes an exaggerated letter describing their situation and making him look unrealistically heroic. After reading it to Lord Loam’s three daughters, Mary, Catherine, and Agatha, Ernest puts the letter into a bottle and tosses it into the sea.

Later, Mary and Crichton discuss how Ernest refuses to work or help. To resolve this issue, Crichton decides that only those who work can eat: “No work—no dinner—will make a great change in Mr. Ernest.” Soon, Lord Loam straggles in, having survived after all. Mary urges her father to reclaim his position of authority from Crichton. 

However, Lord Loam quickly proves an ineffectual leader in these circumstances, and without trying to, Crichton becomes the de facto leader of the group. Feeling threatened by Crichton’s natural leadership, Lord Loam dismisses his butler from service. This is, of course, a rather useless gesture given their circumstances. Lord Loam and the other aristocrats leave but soon return after realizing that they do not know how to feed themselves.

By act three, two years have passed. The party is thriving, having built a sturdy home and even a water-driven mill. Not only have their living conditions changed, but so have their social stations. Instead of the egalitarian utopia Lord Loam envisioned, class divisions remain. However, they are no longer based on birthright but on ability. 

Lord Loam helps Tweeny pluck a bird for supper. Sounding much like Crichton did years ago in England, Lord Loam says that Crichton is “a master I’m proud to pluck for.” Tweeny is no longer the low-ranking scullery maid...