George Bernard Shaw

Definition

George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist who was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for his witty and often satirical plays that challenged social norms and addressed issues like class, gender, and politics. His works contributed to the evolution of the comedy of manners by using humor to critique societal conventions and moral dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shaw won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 for his work, which emphasized social reform and morality.
2. He was a co-founder of the London School of Economics and had a significant influence on political thought in his time.
3. Shaw's plays often feature strong, independent female characters who challenge male authority and societal expectations.
4. His writing style is characterized by sharp dialogue and clever wordplay, making his critiques both entertaining and thought-provoking.
5. Shaw's use of humor in serious topics helped pave the way for future playwrights in the comedy of manners genre.

Review Questions

• How did George Bernard Shaw's works reflect the characteristics of the comedy of manners?
  • George Bernard Shaw's works reflect the comedy of manners by satirizing social conventions and highlighting the absurdities of upper-class society. His plays often involve characters entangled in witty dialogue that exposes their pretensions and moral shortcomings. By addressing issues like class differences and gender roles through humor, Shaw not only entertained audiences but also provoked them to think critically about societal norms.
• In what ways did Shaw's personal beliefs influence his approach to social critique in his plays?
  • Shaw's personal beliefs as a socialist and advocate for women's rights significantly influenced his approach to social critique. He used his plays to challenge the status quo, exposing hypocrisy within societal norms. His strong opinions on issues such as class struggle and gender equality are evident in characters that embody these themes, prompting audiences to question their own views on morality and society.
• Evaluate the impact of Shaw's writing style on the development of modern theatre, particularly in relation to comedy.
  • Shaw's writing style had a profound impact on modern theatre, especially in how comedy is used as a vehicle for social commentary. His sharp wit and clever use of language transformed comedic dialogue into a tool for serious critique, setting a precedent for future playwrights. By blending humor with themes of class, gender, and morality, Shaw not only made theatre more accessible but also elevated its role as a platform for discussing critical societal issues, influencing generations of writers in both comedy and drama.

Related terms

Comedy of Manners: A genre of comedy that satirizes the manners and affectations of a contemporary society, often focusing on the behaviors and relationships of the upper class.

Social Critique:

A literary or artistic approach that seeks to expose and challenge societal flaws, often using satire or humor as a tool for commentary.

Pygmalion: One of Shaw's most famous plays, which tells the story of a phonetics professor who transforms a flower girl into a refined lady, exploring themes of identity and social class.