George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist who is regarded as one of the greatest dramatists in the English language. He was born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland. Shaw's works are known for their wit, social commentary, and exploration of political and societal issues.
Plays by George Bernard Shaw
Shaw began his career as a music and drama critic in London. However, he gained widespread recognition and success as a playwright. Here are some of his notable works:
1. "Pygmalion" (1913): This play follows the story of Eliza Doolittle, a working-class flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a phonetics professor who takes on the challenge of transforming her into a refined lady. "Pygmalion" explores themes of social class, language, and identity.
2. "Saint Joan" (1923): Based on the life of Joan of Arc, this play depicts her journey from a simple peasant girl to a national heroine. Shaw's "Saint Joan" delves into themes of faith, martyrdom, and the relationship between the individual and society.
3. "Man and Superman" (1905): In this play, Shaw tackles the concept of evolution and the battle of the sexes. The central character, John Tanner, is pursued by Ann Whitefield, a woman determined to marry him against his wishes. "Man and Superman" also includes the famous "Don Juan in Hell" dream sequence.
4. "Mrs. Warren's Profession" (1893): This play revolves around the relationship between a young woman, Vivie Warren, and her mother, Mrs. Warren, who has made her fortune in the brothel industry. Shaw confronts societal double standards and the complexities of familial relationships.
5. "Arms and the Man" (1894): Set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War, this play satirizes romanticized notions of war and heroism. Shaw explores the contrast between idealism and reality through the characters of Raina, a romantic young woman, and Captain Bluntschli, a pragmatic soldier.
6. "Major Barbara" (1905): Shaw delves into the clash between morality, capitalism, and philanthropy in this play. Barbara Undershaft, a Salvation Army officer, finds herself torn between her ideals and her family's involvement in the arms trade.
7. "The Devil's Disciple" (1897): Set during the American Revolutionary War, this play revolves around the character of Richard Dudgeon, an outcast who unexpectedly becomes a hero. Shaw explores themes of heroism, morality, and religious hypocrisy.
8. "Candida" (1894): This play explores the complexities of love and marriage through the character of Candida, a woman caught between her husband, Reverend James Morell, and a young poet, Eugene Marchbanks. Shaw challenges societal expectations and traditional gender roles.
9. "The Doctor's Dilemma" (1906): Shaw tackles the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors in this play. It revolves around a brilliant but morally questionable doctor who must decide which patients to treat due to limited resources.
10. "Caesar and Cleopatra" (1898): Set in ancient Egypt, this play portrays the relationship between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. Shaw offers a revisionist interpretation of historical events, highlighting Cleopatra's intelligence and political prowess.
11. "Androcles and the Lion" (1912): A lighthearted and allegorical play, it tells the story of Androcles, a Christian tailor, who befriends a lion in the Roman era. Shaw explores themes of forgiveness, compassion, and religious persecution.
12. "Heartbreak House" (1919): This play satirizes the British upper class on the brink of World War I. Set in a country house, Shaw presents a group of eccentric characters who represent the complacency and moral decay of the time.
13. "The Apple Cart" (1929): Shaw combines politics and satire in this play, which imagines a king who defies the demands of politicians and navigates the complexities of power and public opinion.
14. "Misalliance" (1910): Shaw explores societal conventions and the limitations of traditional marriage in this play. It revolves around the unexpected encounters and romantic entanglements of various characters.
15. "You Never Can Tell" (1897): In this comedic play, Shaw explores the complexities of love and family dynamics through a series of misunderstandings and unexpected connections.
These are just a few examples of George Bernard Shaw's extensive body of work. Each play offers unique insights into society, morality, and the human condition, reflecting Shaw's wit, social critique, and enduring impact on the world of theater.
Mnemonic to remember the plays of George Bernard Shaw
"CHAMPY DAMS WAC AM PS"
C - "Candida"
H - "Heartbreak House"
A - "Arms and the Man"
M - "Man and Superman"
P - "Pygmalion"
Y - "You Never Can Tell"
D - "The Devil's Disciple"
A - "Androcles and the Lion"
M - "Major Barbara"
S - "Saint Joan"
W - "Mrs. Warren's Profession"
A - "The Apple Cart"
C - "Caesar and Cleopatra"
A - "Misalliance"
M - "The Doctor's Dilemma"
P - "The Philanderer"
S - "The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet"
By remembering the word "CHAMPY DAMS WAC AM PS," you can easily recall the first letters of George Bernard Shaw's notable plays.
George Bernard Shaw quotes
George Bernard Shaw was known for his sharp wit and clever wordplay. Here are some of his famous quotes:
1. "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
2. "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
3. "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
4. "Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time."
5. "A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."
6. "Youth is wasted on the young."
7. "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."
8. "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
9. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
10. "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it."
These quotes showcase Shaw's insights into various aspects of life, society, and human nature, often challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging critical thinking.
