Make comments on G.B. Shaw as a socially conscious playwright in the light of “You Never Can Tell.”

Answer

Make comments on G.B. Shaw as a socially conscious playwright in the light of “You Never Can Tell.” [2021, 2015]

“You Never Can Tell” (1897), written by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), is a comedy that conveys social messages. Shaw was a socially conscious playwright. He used his plays to show human behavior, family life, love, and society. In this play, he criticizes blind tradition, false manners, and arranged marriages. He mixes humor with serious social issues. Shaw wants people to think freely and act wisely. His comedy teaches lessons about honesty, equality, and freedom. The play shows that life is full of surprises, and social rules are often wrong.

Family and Social Values: Shaw shows family as a reflection of society. Different family types represent different social ideas. The Clandon family shows rules and tradition, while Valentine and Gloria show freedom and understanding. Shaw writes: 

“It’s the unexpected that always happens, isn’t it? You never can tell, sir: you never can tell.”

This shows life and family are unpredictable. Shaw wants families to grow with care and reasoning. Blind tradition harms relationships. He encourages honesty and respect among family members. Society should learn from flexible and kind families.

Marriage and Love: Marriage is a social concern for Shaw. He criticizes arranged and formal marriages. Valentine and Gloria’s love is free and natural. Shaw humorously notes: 

“No, no, no. Not love: we know better than that. Let’s call it Chemistry.” 

He wants people to choose love wisely. Marriage should not follow strict social rules. Women should have the freedom to choose partners. Shaw uses comedy to show wrong ideas about love. Society should accept modern and equal relationships. True love needs reason, respect, and freedom.

Social Manners and Hypocrisy: Shaw mocks social manners and false appearances. Victorian people care more for rules than truth. He writes: 

“We don’t bother much about dress and manners in England” 

This humor shows social hypocrisy. Manners should