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How seriously should we take Bernard Shaw? It depends on how seriously we want to take him. You can read these plays as simple romantic comedies. Clever exchanges between the men and the women, comedic and silly coincidences, happy-sappy endings. My favourite play, "Arms and the Man", left me smiling to myself in my armchair. But then it also made me think.
All these plays have some amount of social commentary. "Arms and the Man" makes a point of mocking the romanticising of war. Our dashing male-lead, the chocolate cream soldier doesn't see it as something heroic or romantic, it's just a way of earning money. He calls out the reckless, risky acts of heroism as what they are: foolish and dangerous. And of course, his criticisms are what make him so charming. At the end of the play, we echo Sergius's remark, "What a man! Is he a man!"
Perhaps "Candida" is a play which we should take less seriously. In this one, Candida makes a choice between the love of a young poet and her husband James. The young poet professes his undying love and vows to meet Candida’s every need. In the end though, she chooses the person who needs her most, which is her husband. He has been cradled and loved since birth, spoiled by the affections of everyone around him. In a very entertaining description of James, Candida says, “Ask James's mother and his three sisters what it cost to save James the trouble of doing anything but be strong and clever and happy.” Make of that what you will. I personally can relate to being drawn to someone’s carefree and happy personality so much that I also want to contribute.
"You Can Never Tell" is a funky one, which doesn't really have a clear message to me. There's some interesting flirting going on between Valentine and Gloria. Gloria is trying to be very non-sentimental but Valentine somehow wins her over in the end. He compares it to a duel, where both sides are constantly evolving their defenses and weapons. He thinks that he's won, since he managed to bring down the modern woman's defenses. Once he gets the girl though, we question whether he won the duel at all. It seems that Gloria has won in the end, because now he's the scared one trying to back out and she's resolved. To his fear, the waiter gives some interesting marriage advice:
So back to the question on how seriously should we take Bernard Shaw. There are some themes that I’d rather not take too seriously, like Candida wanting to be the “sum of all loving care” to her husband, or how the strong feminist role is somewhat dismissed in “You Never Can Tell”. And there are some delightful bits, like the chocolate cream soldier’s views on war and heroism. Overall, it’s a nice little collection of plays, and good news: “Arms and the Man” might be even better than “Pygmalion”.
All these plays have some amount of social commentary. "Arms and the Man" makes a point of mocking the romanticising of war. Our dashing male-lead, the chocolate cream soldier doesn't see it as something heroic or romantic, it's just a way of earning money. He calls out the reckless, risky acts of heroism as what they are: foolish and dangerous. And of course, his criticisms are what make him so charming. At the end of the play, we echo Sergius's remark, "What a man! Is he a man!"
Perhaps "Candida" is a play which we should take less seriously. In this one, Candida makes a choice between the love of a young poet and her husband James. The young poet professes his undying love and vows to meet Candida’s every need. In the end though, she chooses the person who needs her most, which is her husband. He has been cradled and loved since birth, spoiled by the affections of everyone around him. In a very entertaining description of James, Candida says, “Ask James's mother and his three sisters what it cost to save James the trouble of doing anything but be strong and clever and happy.” Make of that what you will. I personally can relate to being drawn to someone’s carefree and happy personality so much that I also want to contribute.
"You Can Never Tell" is a funky one, which doesn't really have a clear message to me. There's some interesting flirting going on between Valentine and Gloria. Gloria is trying to be very non-sentimental but Valentine somehow wins her over in the end. He compares it to a duel, where both sides are constantly evolving their defenses and weapons. He thinks that he's won, since he managed to bring down the modern woman's defenses. Once he gets the girl though, we question whether he won the duel at all. It seems that Gloria has won in the end, because now he's the scared one trying to back out and she's resolved. To his fear, the waiter gives some interesting marriage advice:
Every man is frightened of marriage when it comes to the point; but it often turns out very comfortable, very enjoyable and happy indeed, sir -from time to time. I never was master in my own house, sir: my wife was like your young lady: she was of a commanding and masterful disposition, which my son has inherited. But if I had my life to live twice over, I'd do it again: I'd do it again, I assure you. You never can tell, sir: you never can tell.
So back to the question on how seriously should we take Bernard Shaw. There are some themes that I’d rather not take too seriously, like Candida wanting to be the “sum of all loving care” to her husband, or how the strong feminist role is somewhat dismissed in “You Never Can Tell”. And there are some delightful bits, like the chocolate cream soldier’s views on war and heroism. Overall, it’s a nice little collection of plays, and good news: “Arms and the Man” might be even better than “Pygmalion”.
