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.” 

The first meeting between Raina and Bluntschli in G. B. Shaw’s (1856-1950) “Arms and the Man” (first produced in 1894) is one of the most important scenes in the play. This bedroom episode introduces the central theme of the play—idealism versus realism. This scene introduces Bluntschli, a Swiss soldier who carries chocolate instead of ammunition. Through the conversation between Raina and Bluntschli, Shaw challenges popular romantic and foolish ideals about war, courage, and love.

The Unexpected Entry: The scene takes place in Raina’s bedroom. Raina is standing in her nightgown, enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the evening, when suddenly, Bluntschli—a messy and exhausted soldier in a Serbian uniform—climbs into her room through the balcony. Bluntschli needs shelter to save his life. He immediately threatens Raina, warning her not to make any noise. Raina responds with pride and a sense of superiority. She says that she doesn’t fear death.

Critique of War and Bravery: Through the conversation between Raina and Bluntshcli, Shaw presents war as something far from glorious. Bluntschli, the Swiss professional soldier, immediately contrasts Raina’s romantic image of war. Raina is thrilled when she first hears about her fiancé, Sergius’s cavalry charge. Raina imagines it as a heroic and bold act. However, Bluntschli shatters this illusion by revealing the absurdity of the charge: Sergius led a cavalry charge against heavy machine guns. This charge was foolish and only succeeded because the enemy had the wrong ammunition. Bluntschli compares Sergius with Don Quixote, a foolish knight who attacked a windmill, thinking it to be a giant. Sergius, with his big bright eyes and amusing mustache, looked like an opera hero, according to Bluntschli. Bluntschli reveals about Sergius’ cavalry charge:

“A regular handsome fellow, with flashing eyes and lovely moustache shouting his war-cry and charging like Don Quixote at windmills.”

Shaw uses Bluntschli to show that war is less about noble