Mrs. Warren's Profession

Definition

Mrs. Warren's Profession is a play by George Bernard Shaw that premiered in 1902, focusing on the struggles of a woman who is forced into the sex trade due to limited options in society. The play critiques the social conditions and moral hypocrisy of the time, especially regarding women's rights and the societal expectations placed on them. It serves as a key work within the genre of social problem plays, highlighting issues of class, gender, and economic disparity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play features Mrs. Kitty Warren, who runs a successful brothel to provide for her daughter, Vivian, highlighting the economic realities that drive women into such professions.
2. Shaw wrote Mrs. Warren's Profession as a response to societal norms, aiming to expose the hypocrisy surrounding women's roles and their limited choices in a patriarchal society.
3. The character of Vivian represents a new generation of women questioning traditional values and seeking independence beyond their mothers' sacrifices.
4. The initial production of the play was banned in London due to its controversial subject matter, reflecting the resistance to discussing such topics openly at the time.
5. The play's dialogue is sharp and witty, utilizing humor to critique serious social issues while engaging the audience in reflection about morality and societal responsibilities.

Review Questions

• How does Shaw use the character of Mrs. Kitty Warren to highlight the economic struggles faced by women during the early 20th century?
  • Mrs. Kitty Warren embodies the harsh realities many women faced when limited by societal expectations and economic hardship. Her decision to run a brothel stems from a lack of viable options for earning a living, illustrating how women were often pushed into desperate situations. Shaw uses her character to critique not only the individual plight but also the larger systemic issues that force women into marginalized professions, calling attention to society's role in perpetuating these conditions.
• In what ways does Mrs. Warren's Profession serve as an example of a social problem play, and how does it challenge societal norms?
  • Mrs. Warren's Profession exemplifies a social problem play through its direct confrontation of issues like women's autonomy and moral hypocrisy. The play critiques the limitations imposed on women by exposing how societal expectations trap them in oppressive situations. Shaw challenges these norms by presenting characters like Vivian who seek to break free from their predetermined roles, thus inviting the audience to reflect on their own beliefs about gender and morality in society.
• Evaluate the impact of Mrs. Warren's Profession on contemporary theatre and its relevance to modern discussions about gender and class.
  • Mrs. Warren's Profession has had a lasting impact on contemporary theatre by paving the way for more plays that address social issues related to gender and class. Its candid portrayal of women's struggles remains relevant today as society continues to grapple with issues like economic disparity and gender equality. Shaw’s work not only initiated conversations about women's rights during his time but also laid groundwork for future playwrights to tackle similar themes, emphasizing that theatre can be a powerful medium for social critique and change.

Related terms

Social Problem Play: A genre of drama that addresses social issues and aims to provoke critical thought and change, often revealing injustices and challenging societal norms.

Realism: A theatrical movement that emerged in the late 19th century, aiming to represent everyday life and ordinary people accurately on stage, as opposed to romanticized or idealized portrayals.

Dramatic Irony: A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters, creating tension and deeper meaning in the narrative.