INTRODUCTION:
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was a
prolific Irish playwright and critic who wrote more than 60 plays. He is
considered as a transitional dramatist as he
published most of his works towards the end of Victorian age and in the
beginning of Modern age. He is considered one of the most influential and
important playwrights of the modern era, and his works are still performed and studied
today.
Shaw's plays were known for their wit, social commentary, and unconventional approach to
drama. He often used his plays to explore social and political issues,
and his characters were often complex and
multi-dimensional. He was also known for his use of satire, and his
plays often challenged conventional ideas about love, marriage, and morality.
SHAW’S MAJOR
PLAY’S:
Some of Shaw's most famous plays are:
"Pygmalion", "Man
and Superman", "Saint Joan", "Mrs. Warren's Profession",
"Pygmalion"
His play “Pygmalion” has been adapted
for a movie "My Fair Lady,". The play tells the story of a phonetics
professor who transforms a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady, and
explores issues of class, education, and identity.
Shaw's plays were also notable for
their use of lengthy prefaces and introductions, in which he often discussed
the themes and ideas behind his work. These prefaces were sometimes
controversial and sparked debate among audiences and critics.
MAJOR THEMES
IN GEORGE BERNARD SHAW'S PLAYS:
1.
Social Class: One of the most prominent themes in
Shaw's plays is the issue of social class and its impact on individuals and
society. This theme is explored in plays such as "Pygmalion," where
the protagonist Eliza Doolittle is transformed from a working-class flower girl
into a refined lady, and "Mrs Warren's Profession," which examines
the consequences of a woman's decision to enter the sex trade in order to
support her family.
2.
Women's Rights: Shaw was a strong advocate for
women's rights and his plays often challenged traditional gender roles and
stereotypes. This theme is evident in plays such as "Candida," which
features a strong and independent female protagonist who must choose between
two suitors, and "Saint Joan," which tells the story of Joan of Arc
and her struggle to lead the French army despite societal expectations.
3.
Marriage and
Relationships:
Shaw's plays often deal with the complexities of romantic relationships and
marriage. This theme is explored in plays such as "Man and Superman,"
which presents a protagonist who is not willing to marry and believes that love
is a form of enslavement, and "Major Barbara," which examines the
tension between a father and daughter who hold opposing views on the role of
religion in society.
4.
Politics and Society: Shaw was interested in politics and social issues,
and his plays often dealt with issues such as poverty, inequality, and the role
of government. This theme is evident in plays such as "The Doctor's
Dilemma," which explores the ethical issues surrounding medical treatment,
and "Arms and the Man," which satirizes the romanticization of war.
5.
Morality and Ethics:
Shaw's plays frequently dealt with questions of morality and ethics, and
challenged traditional ideas about right and wrong. This theme is explored in
plays such as "Mrs. Warren's Profession," which questions the
morality of the sex trade, and "The Devil's Disciple," which examines
the morality of opposing a tyrannical government.
SHAW’S PROBLEM
PLAYS & DRAMA OF IDEAS:
"Shaw was a
dramatist of ideas, who used the stage as a platform to explore the big
questions of life and society." - Robert Brustein
·
G.
B. Shaw is considered one of the pioneers of the Problem Play and a master of
Drama of Ideas, a genre of drama that explores social and political issues
through realistic characters and situations. Shaw's contribution to the problem
play was significant, and he is often hailed as one of the most influential
writers in the genre.
·
Some
of Shaw's most famous problem plays include "Mrs Warren's
Profession," which examines the moral and social implications of
prostitution, and "Major Barbara," which explores the tension between
religion and social justice. In both of these plays, Shaw uses his characters
and their experiences to highlight larger social and political issues, and to challenge conventional ideas about morality and ethics.
·
One
of Shaw's most famous plays, "Pygmalion," is a prime example of his
mastery of the drama of ideas. The play explores issues
of class, gender, and identity, and presents a sharp critique of the
rigid social structures of Edwardian England.
·
Shaw's
problem plays were also notable for their use of realistic
dialogue and their rejection of traditional dramatic conventions. He favoured
naturalistic dialogue that reflected the way people
actually spoke, and he often included long prefaces and introductions
that provided context for the themes and issues explored in his plays.
CONCLUSION:
"Shaw was a
towering figure in the literary and intellectual life of his time, and his
influence is still felt today." - Richard H. Palmer
Bernard Shaw has been rightly
considered the greatest dramatist next to Shakespeare. His contribution in the
field of drama of ideas and problem plays and his unconventional dramatic
methods make him a dramatist ‘par excellence’. His plays are full of
wit, satire and his philosophical ideas.
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