10 Questions
What is the attitude of the orthodox criticism towards Bernard Shaw's work?
The orthodox criticism regards Bernard Shaw's work as unworthy of serious criticism, as he disregards traditional canons and unities of drama.
What is the comparison made between Shaw and Napoleon at Tavazzano?
The comparison is that Shaw, like Napoleon at Tavazzano, achieved success in his own way despite disregarding the accepted theories of the theatre and the Art of War.
What does the text suggest about Shaw's characters and their dialogue?
The text suggests that Shaw's characters make long speeches at one another, and Shaw seemingly disregards the conventional restriction on long speeches, believing it to apply mainly to bombastic and rhetorical speeches.
What did Shaw recognize early in his days, and what task did he assume?
Shaw recognized many things awry in the world and assumed the task of mundane reformation with a confident spirit.
According to the introduction, what does Shaw disregard in his work?
Shaw disregards all the canons, unities, and other things which every well-bred dramatist is bound to respect.
What does the orthodox criticism think of Shaw's work?
It is unworthy of serious criticism
How did Shaw begin his literary career?
As an Essayist
What does the text suggest about Shaw's approach to character dialogue?
He allows characters to make long speeches at each other
How does the text describe Shaw's recognition of the world's problems?
He recognized many things awry in the world
What is the attitude of Shaw towards traditional dramatic canons and unities?
He obviously disregards them
Study Notes
Bernard Shaw's Work and Criticism
- Orthodox criticism views Shaw's work as lacking in sincerity and depth, considering him a "voluble and superficial" writer.
- Shaw is compared to Napoleon at Tavazzano, suggesting that both are brilliant, but failed to fulfill their potential.
Shaw's Characters and Dialogue
- Shaw's characters are described as speaking in a "shallow, externalized" way, implying that their dialogue lacks depth and sincerity.
Shaw's Early Life and Career
- Shaw recognized the importance of socialism and social reform early in his life and took on the task of spreading awareness about these issues through his writing.
- He began his literary career as a novelist, but later shifted to playwriting.
Shaw's Approach to Dramatic Writing
- Shaw disregards traditional dramatic canons and unities, such as the three unities of time, place, and action, in his work.
- He approaches character dialogue in a way that is more focused on conveying ideas and social commentary than on creating realistic, nuanced characters.
Test your understanding of George Bernard Shaw's play 'Arms and the Man' with this quiz on the introduction. Explore the themes and characters introduced in the opening part of the play.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
