Synopsis of Candida by Bernard Shaw

By- Simran Varde

FYBMM - 109

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 Things to grasp :
Themes
analogy
pedagogy
temporal anomaly benefactor
Themes :
The play’s main theme is that women should be able to
choose for themselves how to balance security and
independence , domesticity and limitless creativity.

Candida is a powerful female character who speaks and

acts in a “candid” or frank manner.
analogies
Newly emerging emancipated woman : Candida
presents herself as the newly emerging emancipated
woman. She openly disapproves of her husband’s
sermons. Again, she remains steadfastly dutiful
maintaining the traditional conduct of woman. She
never declines her wifely duty. Eugene Marchbanks is a
fiery romantic full of compassion for Candida.
Duality of human nature (hypocrisy) : revealed through
the characterization of Morell. Inherent inner weakness
Analogy (contd…..)
The main conflict is well modulated till the end of the
play. It takes a sudden surprising turn when we see
Candida inclined to live with her husband. It is a steady
deviation from any sensational happening. Splendidly
befitting ending is quite Shavian regarding his drama of
ideas. This is a new beginning for the couple, but it
brings out the hollowness of the ideal of happiness
effectively. Shaw brings out the difference between
nobility without happiness and happiness without
pedagogy
Minor conflict is beautifully summed up between Morell and Burgess.
Such is the technical expertise of Shaw’s dramatic art that is helpful in
revealing the different facets of the main characters. Morell-Burgess
episode speaks volumes about the socialistic traits in the character of
Morell. No doubt, we get a glimpse of Burgess who is a representative of
business class embodying its vulgar breeding mercantile preoccupation
and intellectual backwardness. It speaks of their stubbornly ultra-
materialistic attitude. Again, the brief conversation between Eugene and
Proserpine delightfully exposes the hypocrisy of existing moral code not
permitting a man to express his true self.
Pedagogy ( contd…..)
Shaw’s dramas are usually furnished with elaborate
exposition. The play Candida is no exception. The
exposition is mainly allied to characterization and stage
directions. At first, Morell is presented as a proficient
orator. His other traits are gradually revealed: his true
pious nature is shown as an endowment of virtuous
character. The rest of the characters, too, are brought to
the same room before long. Even the minor conflict
between Morell and Burgess is mentioned. Such deft