English — Literature: George Bernard Shaw — Major Plays and Themes — 2nd Year Secondary

George Bernard Shaw: The Playwright of Ideas

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist who became one of the most influential dramatists in the English language. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925, Shaw wrote over 60 plays that challenged social conventions, mocked hypocrisy, and promoted progressive ideas. His work is characterized by sharp wit, intellectual depth, and a passionate commitment to social reform.

Shaws Life and Intellectual Development

Born in Dublin into an impoverished middle-class family, Shaw moved to London at age 20 to pursue a literary career. He became a prominent member of the Fabian Society, a socialist organization advocating gradual reform. He worked as a music and theatre critic before turning to playwriting. His critical essays and reviews established his reputation as a sharp-witted commentator on the arts and society.

Major Plays and Their Themes

“Pygmalion” (1912)

This is perhaps Shaws most popular play, later adapted into the musical “My Fair Lady”. It tells the story of Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, who bets that he can transform a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a refined lady simply by teaching her to speak properly. The play explores themes of class, identity, language, and social mobility.

“Saint Joan” (1923)

Considered by many as Shaws masterpiece, this play dramatizes the life and trial of Joan of Arc. Shaw presents Joan as a visionary Protestant and nationalist ahead of her time, whose conflict with the Church and State authorities reflects the eternal struggle between individual inspiration and institutional power.

“Mrs. Warrens Profession” (1893)

A controversial play that tackled the issue of prostitution and economic exploitation of women in Victorian society. It was banned from public performance for years due to its frank treatment of sexuality and capitalism.

“Arms and the Man” (1894)

A satirical comedy about war and romantic idealism, which challenges glorified notions of military heroism. The play contrasts the romantic view of war with its brutal reality.

Distinctive Features of Shaws Drama

• The play of ideas: Shaws drama is driven by intellectual argument rather than plot or action.
• Preface essays: Many of his plays are accompanied by lengthy prefaces where he develops his arguments at length.
• Satirical wit: His sharp dialogue and comic situations expose hypocrisy and pretension.
• Stock characters with a twist: He subverts traditional character types to challenge audience expectations.
• Social commentary: His plays consistently address issues of class, gender, politics, and religion.

Exercises

1. Analyse how Shaw uses the character of Eliza Doolittle in “Pygmalion” to critique class distinctions in British society.
2. Discuss Shaws treatment of heroism and war in “Arms and the Man”. How does he deconstruct romantic notions of military glory?
3. Compare the portrayal of Joan of Arc in Shaws “Saint Joan” with the traditional historical narrative.
4. Write an essay exploring the role of the “preface” in Shaws dramatic works. Do these essays enhance or detract from the plays?
5. Choose a contemporary social issue and write a short scene in the style of Shaw that uses dialogue to explore different perspectives on that issue.

Conclusion

George Bernard Shaw transformed English drama by making it a vehicle for intellectual debate and social criticism. His plays continue to be performed worldwide, challenging audiences to think critically about society, morality, and human nature. His influence can be seen in modern playwrights who use the stage as a platform for social commentary.

For more lessons on English literature, check out The Victorian Novel — Charles Dickens and American Literature — Mark Twain and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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