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 acts of bravery and more about staying alive.

“Raina: Some soldiers, I know, are afraid of death.

The Man (Bluntschli): All of them, dear lady, all of them, believe me. It is our duty to live as long as we can.”

Soldiers are not necessarily heroic. Bluntschli reveals:

“Nine soldiers out of ten were born fools”

Bluntschli’s Practicality: Bluntschli represents practicality and truth, which contrasts sharply with Raina’s romantic ideals. Bluntschli shatters the romantic ideals of patriotism and heroism by revealing that he is just a professional soldier. He says:

“I am a Swiss, fighting merely as a professional soldier. I joined Servia because it came first on the road from Switzerland.”

Again, Bluntschli reveals that he carries chocolate instead of bullets, saying,

“You can’t fight on an empty stomach.”

Raina is initially outraged, thinking it is childish for a soldier to carry chocolate instead of ammunition. However, this practical approach begins to make her question her beliefs.

Raina’s Ideals: In this episode, Raina’s belief in heroic love and bravery begins to waver. Unlike Sergius, who tries to impress her with grand gestures, Bluntschli shows her the truth about life and war. This honesty creates a bond between them and paves the way for their eventual love. Raina later admits, “You are the first man I ever met who did not take me seriously.” Bluntschli replies, “I am the first man who has taken you seriously.” With their relationship, Shaw suggests that love should be based on honesty and mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the first meeting between Raina and Bluntschli is a turning point in “Arms and the Man”. This scene establishes the play’s themes of love, war, and courage. This scene helps Shaw to make his point and entertain the audience at the same time.