Comment on the First Meeting Scene Between Raina and Bluntschli in Shaw’s Play Arms and the Man.

Answer

Discuss the first meeting scene between Raina and Bluntschli in Shaw’s play Arms and the Man.

Or, Comment on the first meeting scene between Raina and Bluntschli in “Arms and the Man.” 

George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950) is an Irish playwright and critic. His phenomenal literary work “Arms and the Man” was published in 1894. Here, in this drama, the first meeting between Raina and Bluntschli is the most significant moment. This moment sets the tone for their relationship and introduces key themes of the play. Shaw masterfully uses this meeting to establish the central conflict between romanticized ideals and pragmatic realities. Through Bluntschli, Shaw challenges societal expectations. He invites the audience to question conventional notions of heroism and love.

Introduction of Characters and Setting: The scene opens with Raina, a romantic idealist fascinated by war and heroism. She’s in her bedroom in Bulgaria during the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War. Bluntschli, a Swiss soldier fighting for the Serbians, enters seeking refuge. He reveals his identity,

My rank is the highest known in Switzerland: I am a free citizen.

Raina hides him from the pursuing soldiers. Then Raina is surprised to hear the Bluntschli’s matter-of-fact explanations about war and the soldier’s life.

Unexpected Encounter: Raina, a young romantic girl, encounters Bluntschli, a soldier from the opposing army, in her bedroom. This meeting is unexpected and catches Raina off guard. She is initially scared but fascinated by the unusual situation. She exclaims, 

Who are you?

This shows her surprise at finding a stranger in her room.

Contrasting Characters: The characters of Raina and Bluntschli are in stark contrast. Raina is a romantic idealist. Raina’s reaction and expectation of a dashing soldier demonstrate her romanticized view of war and soldiers. She exclaims, 

You’re a Swiss. Oh, how interesting! I’ve never met a Swiss before.

Raina idolizes soldiers, while Bluntschli is a practical and cynical soldier. This contrast is evident in their conversation. Raina expresses her romanticized views about war and soldiers. But Bluntschli pragmatically talks about the practical aspects of war, like the importance of chocolate over cartridges: 

Nine soldiers out of ten are born fools. But I was the tenth.

Revealing Personalities: Bluntschli’s practicality and frankness gradually reveal Raina’s romantic illusions. His hunger and concern about being discovered by soldiers bring authenticity to his character. Raina sees the practical side of war through Bluntschli’s eyes. So, her initial shock transforms into curiosity and empathy. She offers him food and helps him hide. This demonstrates her kindness beyond the superficial romantic ideals.

Humor and Irony: Shaw employs humor and irony throughout the scene. Raina’s initial fear of Bluntschli turns into curiosity. The comedic element arises here as she assists him despite her shock. Her offering chocolate creams to a man she perceives as a “chocolate cream soldier” creates an ironic yet amusing situation.

Bluntschli’s Resourcefulness: Bluntschli’s resourcefulness and practicality shine through in this scene. His calmness in an unsafe situation and ability to disarm Raina’s fear with wit and charm show his level-headedness and experience. He manages the situation perfectly despite being in an unfamiliar environment.

Seeds of Change: This encounter plants the seeds of change in Raina’s perspective. She starts to see the contrast between her romanticized notions of war and the reality Bluntschli presents. This meeting catalyzes Raina’s transformation from an idealistic young girl to a more pragmatic and mature woman.

In this scene, Shaw masterfully introduces the audience to the contrasting personalities of Raina and Bluntschli. This creates an engaging and humorous exchange that sets the stage for the evolution of their characters throughout the play.