Comment on Shaw’s Art of Characterization in You Never Can Tell.
You Never Can Tell is a notable literary work by George Bernard Shaw. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of You Never Can Tell.
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Comment on Shaw’s art of characterization in You Never Can Tell.
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) is one of the chief exposers or exponents of the mind of man in English literature. He has cared little for describing the physical appearances of the characters. In his play “You Never Can Tell” (1898), he sketches the appearance of human beings’ souls. Through the characters, he satirizes Victorian modern feminists, marital life, and society.
The Psychological Study of Shaw’s Characters: Before starting an ongoing discourse on the psychological study of Shaw’s characters, one must know the source of Shaw’s characters and his chief interest.
The Vast Variety of Characters: Shaw’s characters belong to different classes and ages. He picks up his characters from waiter to barrister. From his characters, we get a vivid insight into the cold, arrogant, possessive, and callous minds of upper-class dudes. Walter Boon and Walter Bohun are specimens of such characters.
Byronic Hero: In his play, Shaw displays a Byronic hero through the character of Valentine. The Byronic Hero is a special type of hero, created by the English Romantic poet Lord Byron, whose character depends on faults. A Byronic Hero has some features, such as being tall and handsome, educated, adventurous, and a womanizer. These features are represented in the character of Valentine. He proposes to many women before seeing Gloria. Mrs. Clandon tries to dissuade Gloria from falling in love with Valentine.
How many times he has laid the trap in which he has caught you; how often he has baited it with the same speeches; how much practice it has taken to make him perfect in his chosen part in life as the Duelist of Sex.
Humorous Character: Shaw creates a humorous character in his play through the character of Walter Boon, who is the wise fool in this play. Professionally, he is the waiter at the Marine Hotel and is probably the most level, rational, and understanding of the entire play. Shaw expresses Walter BoonUnlock this study guide now