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George Bernard Shaw as a dramatist:

George Bernarsd Shaw was an Irish playwright and a prolific critic who wrote
more than 60 plays during his career as a writer. He is considered a
transitional dramatist who was one of the most influential and important
playwrights of the modern era whose works are still performed and studied
today.
Shaw's plays were known for their wit, social commentary, and unconventional
approach to drama. He has often used his plays to explore social and political
issues and his characters were often complex and multidimensional.
He is also known for his unconventional approach to drama. He often used his
plays to explore social and political issues. He was known for his use of satire
as his plays challenged conventional ideas about love, marriage and morality.
Shaw's attitude toward the purpose of art evolved over time. He initially
considered himself an art-for-art's-sake man but later adopted the role of an
artist-with-a-purpose.
As Shaw's perspective on art's purpose evolved, he embraced various roles,
from artist-philosopher to artist-prophet and artist-biologist. His plays, deeply
rooted in the Shavian concept of the Life Force, explore conflicts essential for
compelling drama.
In conclusion, Shaw's enduring legacy lies in thought-provoking plays that
challenge societal norms and delve into the intricacies of human existence,
sparking ongoing reflection and discussion.
Some of Shaw's most famous plays are:
Pygmalion, Man and Superman, Saint Joan, and Mrs Warren's Profession.
Bernard Shaw, deemed one of the greatest English playwrights since
Shakespeare, crafted over fifty enduring plays that challenge societal norms.
Influenced by Ibsen, Shaw prioritized discussion over conventional drama,
evident in his plays with extensive prefaces.

Pygmalion has been adapted for a movie "My Fair Lady" and was popular in
England at the beginning of 20th century and was a story of a phonetic
Professor who transforms a flower girl into a refined lady. It explores issues of
class, education and identity through teaching her techniques of speaking.
Shaw's plays were also notable for their use of lengthy prefaces and
introductions in which he often discussed the themes and ideas behind his
work. Another quality of his plays are controversial and sparked debate among
audience and critics.
Major Barbara (1907):
This play talks about a conflict between being spiritual (believing in good
things) and caring about money. The characters show how groups that want to
help can also be connected to making money.
Man and Superman (1903):
This play is like a big conversation about important ideas. It talks about life and
how it changes. Some parts of the play are like a dream where the characters
talk about big ideas like how life starts and grows.
The major themes in Shaw's plays:
Social classes:
One of the most prominent themes in Shaw's plays is the issue of social class
and its impact on individuals and society. This theme is explored in his plays
such as Pygmalion, where the protagonist Eliza Doolittle is transformed from
working-class flower girl into a refined lady, and Mrs Warren's Profession
which examines the consequences of a woman's decision to enter the sex
trade in order to support her family. So the idea of social class was projected
in his plays. He presented our social class system as a major theme . he
presented manners and attitudes of different classes
Shaw's association with the Fabian Society during the 1880s further deepened
his critique of the rigid British class system. His socialist perspective is evident
in his plays, where he not only portrays the challenges arising from social
class distinctions but also advocates for societal transformation towards
greater equality.
Politics and society
Shaw was interested in politics and social issues and his plays often deal with
issues such as poverty, inequality and the role of government. This theme is
evident in plays such as " Doctor's Delimma which explores the ethic issues
surrounding medical treatment . Arms and The Man which satirizes the
romanticization of war
As an active member of the Fabian Society, Shaw's commitment to socialist
ideals is palpable in his plays. The Fabian approach of utilizing local
government and trade unionism for societal transformation aligns with the
themes in Shaw's works, emphasizing his belief in the potential for positive
change through political and social reform.
His works explored social problems and were influenced by the way Henrik
Ibsen presented societal issues in his plays. Shaw's plays were like funny
stories that made people think about problems in society.
Women's Rights:
Shaw was a strong advocate for women's rights and his plays often challenged
a traditional gender roles and stereotypes.This is evident in plays like
"Candida" which features a strong and independent female protagonist who
must choose between two suitors, and Saint Joan" tells the story of Joan of
Arc and her struggle to lead the French Army despite societal expectations.
Shaw's commitment to women's rights is reflective of his broader stance as a
feminist, a label attributed to him in recognition of his persistent support for
gender equality.
Marriage and relationships:
Shaw's plays often deal with complexities of romantic relationships and
marriage. This theme is explored in plays such as Man and Superman which
presents a protagonist who is not willing to marry and believes that love is a
form of enslavement. To become a slave to your partner. Major Barbara
examines the tension between a father and a daughter who hold opposing
views on the role of religion in a society.
"Major Barbara" delves into the tensions between a father and daughter
holding opposing views on the role of religion in society, offering a nuanced
exploration of familial relationships.

Conclusion:
George Bernard Shaw was the most important figure and personality of his
time. "He was a towering figure in the literary and intellectual life of his time,
and his influence is still felt today". Richard H. Palmer.
George Bernard Shaw has been rightly considered the greatest dramatist to
Shakespeare. His contribution in the field of drama of ideas and problem plays
and his unconventional dramatic methods make him a dramatist. His plays are
full of wit, satire and his philosophical ideas. All these combine together to
make him the most important dramatist in English literature. In all his plays,
you'll find unconventional characters, realism, problems of society and modern
ideas.

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