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Questions and Answers
Who is considered to have reached the maturity of the problem play in their works?
What is a problem play?
What term is sometimes used interchangeably with 'problem play'?
Which playwright introduced the problem play in England towards the end of the nineteenth century?
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What kind of issues does a problem play usually address?
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What character from 'A Doll's House' symbolizes the restrictions imposed on women in 19th century Norwegian society?
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What is the main theme of George Bernard Shaw's play Mrs Warren’s Profession?
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Who is the real villain in The Apple Cart according to George Bernard Shaw?
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What does Bluntschli represent in Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw?
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Which play by George Bernard Shaw defends the institution of monarchy?
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Who is considered the Knight of the Burning Pencil according to Ward?
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What did George Bernard Shaw learn to question?
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'Widowers ‘Houses' represents the cruel oppression of whom by big financier-landlords?
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'Arms and the Man' is a brilliant satire on which popular notions?
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'Arms and the Man' aims to cure Raina of her romantic ideas about whom?
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Who propagated problem play according to Ward?
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What is the problem play also known as?
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Who reached the maturity of the problem play in their works?
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What is 'A Doll's House' considered to be?
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In 'A Doll's House', who symbolizes the restrictions imposed on women in 19th century Norwegian society?
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Who introduced the problem play in England towards the end of the nineteenth century?
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What term is sometimes used interchangeably with 'problem play'?
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What does George Bernard Shaw aim to question in his plays?
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Which play by George Bernard Shaw defends the institution of monarchy?
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What is the central theme of George Bernard Shaw's play Widowers' Houses?
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Who is the real villain in The Apple Cart according to George Bernard Shaw?
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In Arms and the Man, what does Bluntschli represent?
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Who is considered the Knight of the Burning Pencil according to Ward?
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What does Shaw's play Mrs Warren’s Profession address?
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'Arms and the Man' aims to cure Raina of her romantic ideas about whom?
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What character in 'Arms and the Man' symbolizes a no-nonsense mercenary who is fired by a matter-of-fact love of money and good living?
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Who did Ward call 'the Knight of the Burning Pencil', a crusader who propagated problem play?
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Study Notes
Problem Play
- A problem play is a drama that tackles complex social issues and challenges the audience's opinions.
- The term "problem play" is sometimes used interchangeably with "thesis play".
- Henrik Ibsen is considered to have reached the maturity of the problem play in his works.
Introduction of Problem Play in England
- The problem play was introduced in England towards the end of the 19th century by Henrik Ibsen.
- George Bernard Shaw was influenced by Ibsen and propagated the problem play.
Characteristics of Problem Play
- A problem play usually addresses issues such as social injustice, women's rights, and moral hypocrisy.
- Such plays often feature characters who symbolize the restrictions imposed on certain groups in society.
George Bernard Shaw's Plays
- Mrs Warren's Profession addresses the issue of prostitution and the exploitation of women.
- The main theme of The Apple Cart is the struggle for power and the corrupting influence of authority.
- In Arms and the Man, Bluntschli represents the idea of a pragmatic, professional soldier who is not swayed by romantic ideals.
- The play defends the institution of monarchy and critiques the romantic ideals of war and heroism.
- Widowers' Houses represents the cruel oppression of the poor by big financier-landlords.
Characters and Symbolism
- In A Doll's House, Nora symbolizes the restrictions imposed on women in 19th century Norwegian society.
- In Arms and the Man, Bluntschli symbolizes a no-nonsense mercenary who is fired by a matter-of-fact love of money and good living.
- Raina is cured of her romantic ideas about war and heroism through her interactions with Bluntschli.
George Bernard Shaw's Style and Themes
- Shaw's plays aim to question social norms, morality, and the status quo.
- He is known for his satire and critique of popular notions, as seen in Arms and the Man.
- Ward referred to Shaw as "the Knight of the Burning Pencil", a crusader who propagated the problem play.
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Description
This quiz explores the characteristics and themes of problem plays in drama, focusing on how they address societal issues and larger ideological concepts. It delves into the structure and purpose of problem plays, as well as their significance in the context of dramatic literature.
