George Bernard Shaw’s Controversial and Unconventional views as Reflected in His Plays

"A good man fallen among Fabians."

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870 - 1924); Russian revolutionary leader, 1919.

Referring to George Bernard Shaw.

Introduction: George Bernard Shaw: Challenging Conventions and Shaping the Stage

George Bernard Shaw was known for his controversial and unconventional views on a variety of social and political issues. Since William Shakespeare, Shaw (1856–1950) is regarded as the most influential British playwright. His  Plays: pleasant and unpleasant  are essentially brilliant dialogues on subjects like politics, religion, economics, science, relationships, and the arts. Despite being seen as comedies, the plays are actually serious attempts to change the opinions and attitudes of the audience. Conventional beliefs are frequently twisted or inverted to startle the public into a new awareness. Shaw, despite emphasizing concepts, probably produced the most enduring cast of dramatic characters since the 17th century.  He brings witty dialogue on stage: a great grand philosophy of life on stage. His Prefaces to his dramas are lengthy treatise on justifications of his moralities. It should be remembered that Shaw followed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen as his model. It is also to be remembered that ideas shared by Shaw is not steadfast as poles star, but it had its own evolutions.

Marriage and Relationships: Unconventional Love and Challenged Norms: George Bernard Shaw's Exploration of Relationships and Equality

Shaw was a vocal advocate for sexual liberation and equality, and his plays often featured unconventional relationships and explored themes of gender roles and sexual freedom. many of the people criticized him, many accepted him as ' a champion of intellectual freedom'. Particularly in the more conservative society of the day, this occasionally caused controversy and criticism. Shaw had some very liberal opinions about relationships and marriage, and his plays reflected those opinions. He thought that traditional notions of love and romance were frequently based on illusion and sentimentalism and that marriage should be a partnership of equals.

“Wicked people means people who have no love: therefore, they have no shame. They have the power to ask love because the don't need it: they have the power to offer it because they have none to give.”

― George Bernard Shaw, Candida

In his play "Candida," Shaw examines the notion of a woman's choice in selecting her partner and the function of a man as a companion as opposed to a protector. Shaw contends in the play that women should be free to pursue their own interests and goals, challenging the age old idea that their place is only in the home.

"Do you think I was brought up like you? able to pick and choose my own way of life? Do you think I did what I did because I liked it, or thought it right, or wouldn't rather have gone to college and been a lady if I'd had the chance?"

― George Bernard Shaw, Mrs. Warren   

Shaw explores the idea of women as economic reality and questions societal norms in "Mrs. Warren's Profession." He deals with real human problem of 'prostitution'.  He introduces the persona of Mrs. Warren, a wealthy businesswoman who built her empire by owning a network of brothels. Shaw presents her as a confident, strong woman who is proud of her accomplishments rather than being ashamed of her past. She defends herself. Shaw himself quotes, "Mrs. Warren's defense of herself and indictment of society is the thing that most needs saying." (George Bernard Shaw, Author's Apology). Shaw considers the play to be an indictment, or allegation, of English upper-class life in the nineteenth century, which is the play's target audience. He understands audience members may shudder when Mrs. Warren defends her choice to become a prostitute and stay in the profession. She begins prostitution since she is unable to find another well-paying work. She remains a brothel owner because she wants to generate money and accumulate wealth—she loves the advantages of a capitalist society. Shaw wishes for the audience to understand how their economic decisions and objectives have resulted in a society where prostitution thrives.

Shaw's "Pygmalion" plays with the notion of relationships based on class and the flimsy nature of social norms. He tells the tale of Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl who is adopted by Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics, and who is taught how to speak and act in a ladylike manner. The play examines relationship power dynamics as well as the value of uniqueness and self-determination.

Added to these, Shaw's plays frequently featured unconventional romances and questioned conventional notions of gender roles, marriage, and love. His plays continue to stoke discussions and disagreements on these subjects even today because they uphold his conviction that relationships should be based on respect for one another and an alliance of equals.

On Religion: Questioning Faith: Shaw's Dramatic Critique of Religion and Society

 Shaw was a committed atheist and was known for his criticism of organized religion. He was not afraid to question conventional religious beliefs and practices, and his plays frequently explored themes of faith and skepticism. Because of his atheism, Shaw frequently used his plays to criticize organized religion and its effects on society.

The story of Joan of Arc, a young woman who allegedly saw visions of God and guided the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War, is recounted in one of Shaw's most well-known plays, "Saint Joan." Shaw uses Joan as a metaphor for the conflict between faith and reason in the play. While he admired Joan's courage and determination, Shaw saw her religious fervor as a product of superstition and a desire for power. Shaw says, "a miracle is an event which creates faith. Frauds deceive. An event which creates faith does not deceive; therefore it is not a fraud, but a miracle." In fact here in Joan of Arc history and faith go together.

Again, Shaw outlines his vision of a world without religion in which people are led by reason and scientific inquiry in "Man and Superman." Shaw's idea of a "superman," a person who leads a life of intellectual and creative fulfillment, is embodied in the play by the character Don Juan.

Shaw mocks the medical industry in "The Doctor's Dilemma," but he also pokes fun at the early 20th-century religious fad known as Christian Science. A doctor in the play struggles between his responsibility to save lives and his desire to adhere to Christian Science teachings.

but most interesting drama on this topic is "Major Barbara". Shaw uses the Barbara Undershaft in "Major Barbara" to examine his beliefs regarding religion and civic duty. Barbara belongs to the Salvation Army, a Christian charity that works to help those in need in both a material and spiritual way. Barbara is forced to consider the conflicts between her religious convictions and her family's involvement in the arms trade when her estranged father Andrew Undershaft offers to donate a sizeable sum of money to the Salvation Army.

Shaw , however, questions conventional notions of morality and the place of religion in society through the character of Andrew Undershaft, may be Shaw's alter ego. Undershaft argues that the arms trade is a necessary and honorable profession, and that providing weapons to those who can use them effectively is an important aspect of social responsibility. He believes that systemic economic inequality is the cause of the poverty and suffering that the Salvation Army works to alleviate, and that this issue can only be resolved through more fundamental social and political change.

Barbara, however, places a strong emphasis on moral decision-making and personal accountability. She views poverty and suffering as the result of moral failings and holds that conversion to Christianity and a commitment to leading a moral life are necessary for salvation.

Shaw criticizes the limitations of religious doctrine in addressing complex social issues through Barbara's struggle to reconcile her beliefs with her father's unconventional views. He suggests that a more nuanced understanding of human nature and a commitment to systemic change are necessary to create a more just and equitable society.

Shaw was generally skeptical of organized religion and believed that reason and logic could influence human behavior, which is reflected in his plays.  Shaw bluntly confesses in his Preface that "The Salvation Army ... is even more dependent than the church on rich people." 

Socialism and Politics: The Social Critiques of George Bernard Shaw: Challenging Injustice and Advocating for Systemic Change

 Shaw was a committed socialist and was actively involved in political activism and campaigning. He was not afraid to speak out against injustice and oppression, and social justice and inequality were frequent themes in his plays.

A well-known playwright and critic, George Bernard Shaw wrote extensively about socialism and politics. His plays frequently express his political views and give insight into how he feels about various subjects.

"Major Barbara," one of Shaw's most well-known plays, is a critique of capitalism too and the function of the military-industrial complex in society. The Salvation Army, a Christian nonprofit, is portrayed in the play as a tool for advancing the objectives of arms producers. Shaw challenges the notion that alleviating poverty solely through charitable giving by using Barbara, a Salvation Army officer, to make the case that systemic change is required to address the underlying causes of inequality and poverty.

Shaw explores the idea of the "Life Force," which he thought was in charge of human advancement and evolution, in "Man and Superman." The play advocates for a society based on merit rather than inherited privilege, and it criticizes traditional gender roles and the institution of marriage. In "The Doctor's Dilemma," he critiques the medical profession and the way it prioritizes the wealthy over the poor. The play makes the case that medical professionals should give the most deserving patients priority over those who can pay the most.

Shaw's satirical play "Arms and the Man" criticizes society's romanticized perception of war and soldiers, if not the romanticized concept of love and marriage. The play is set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885 and follows the story of Raina, a young woman from a wealthy family who is engaged to a soldier named Sergius.

Shaw challenges the conventional perception of soldiers as heroic and noble through the character of Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary who fights for the opposing Serbian army. Bluntschli is portrayed as a pragmatic and opportunistic individual who is more interested in self-preservation than in the ideals of patriotism and honor. Through Bluntschli, Shaw argues that war is often driven by greed, political ambition, and other selfish motives rather than by noble ideals.

Shaw also criticizes the social stratification of people and the status of women. Raina, the female lead, is initially portrayed as a romantic idealist who admires the bravery and chivalry of soldiers. However, as the play progresses, Raina begins to question her own values and beliefs. She becomes aware that Bluntschli's struggles as a mercenary are similar to her own, and she starts to sympathize with him.

Shaw wrote numerous essays and speeches on politics and socialism in addition to his plays. He belonged to the socialist Fabian Society, which promoted gradual social and economic change. Shaw believed that socialism was the best way to achieve a more just and equitable society, and he argued that the government should play a major role in regulating the economy and ensuring social welfare.

Art, Culture and Society: George Bernard Shaw: Art as Catalyst for Change and Intellectual Awakening

Shaw was a prominent figure in the world of literature and theater, and his views on art and culture were often controversial. He was well-known for opposing conventional theater and promoting avant-garde and unconventional forms of artistic expression.

One of Shaw's key beliefs was that art should be a tool for social and political change. He believed that art ought to be used to question the status quo and to spark discussion. Many of his plays, such as "Mrs. Warren's Profession" and "Pygmalion," make this clear.

Shaw examines the contentious subject of prostitution in "Mrs. Warren's Profession" and reveals the harsh reality faced by women who were pressured into the industry because of their financial circumstances. Shaw questions societal norms in the play and promotes women's emancipation through economic independence and education.

Similar to this, Shaw criticizes Edwardian England's rigid class structure in "Pygmalion" by showing how Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, becomes a sophisticated lady. Through Eliza's transformation, Shaw highlights the importance of education and the arbitrary nature of social class.

Additionally, Shaw valued intellectualism and critical thinking. He presents a discussion on the nature of existence and the place of the individual in society in "Man and Superman." The play argues that the pursuit of knowledge and the expansion of the mind should be the ultimate goal of human life.

Shaw believed that art should be used as a platform for social and political commentary and that intellectualism and critical thinking are crucial for societal advancement and change. This belief is largely reflected in Shaw's works.

Conclusion: The Revolutionary Voice of George Bernard Shaw: Challenging Conventions and Shaping Generations

 Shaw was a complex and contentious figure who wasn't afraid to question accepted wisdom and speak out on a variety of topics. While Shaw did not establish a "school" of writers, his work had a significant impact on British theatre. Prior to his own, the customary topics of serious plays were crime, adultery, and emotional romance. He astounded critics and astonished the public by addressing slum landlordism and prostitution and then preaching the foolishness of retribution and vengeance. Religion, politics, the medical profession, marriage, motherhood, and phonetics followed, all of which were deemed inappropriate for the theatre. He replaced stale settings with clever language and well-drawn characters with the conventional figures of "hero," "villain," and "comic clown." He brought intelligence and ideas back to the theatre, reawakened his generation's social consciousness, and demonstrated that historical individuals were as human and engaging as contemporary figures. Shaw's disregard for tradition and disrespect for present morality shattered the Victorian era's established traditions and beliefs. His strong, critical wit and keen pen, when applied to contemporary situations, helped shape the thinking of his own and subsequent generations. Furthermore, he achieved this with an unrivalled brilliance of humour.

Alternative Questions:

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Ardhendu De 

References

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2. Fallon, G. (1950). Shaw and Actors. The Irish Monthly, 78(929), 530–535. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20516271

3. Bangabasi College Library catalog › Results of search for “ccl=(su:{ENGLISH}) and su-to:ENGLISH DRAMA, and itype:BK and au:SHAW, B.” (n.d.). Bangabasi College Library Catalog &Rsaquo; Results of Search for “ccl=(Su:{ENGLISH}) and Su-to:ENGLISH DRAMA, and Itype:BK and Au:SHAW, B.” https://opac.bangabasi.ac.in/cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?q=ccl=%28su%3A%7BENGLISH%7D%29%20and%20su-to%3AENGLISH%20DRAMA%2C%20and%20itype%3ABK%20and%20au%3ASHAW%2C%20B.&sort_by=relevance_dsc&limit=holdingbranch:MAIN

4. Plays: pleasant and unpleasant : Shaw, Bernard, 1856-1950 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/playspleasantunp01shaw