What is Higher Love? Discuss Shaw’s Conception of Higher Love.
Arms And the Man 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 Arms And the Man.
Answer
What is higher love? Discuss Shaw’s conception of higher love in “Arms and the Man.”
In “Arms and the Man” (1894), Shaw’s (1856-1950) idea of “higher love” is a love that is honest, practical, and free from silly romantic fantasies. He criticizes storybook love—like dramatic proposals and fake heroism. Shaw argues real love should be based on truth and equality.
Fake Higher Love: At the beginning of the play, Raina and Sergius are engaged. They think they are “perfect” romantic partners—she is a noble lady, and he is a war hero. Raina adores Sergius’ portrait. She always thinks of him. Sergius, too, thinks he is a knight and Raina is his lady. Raina says to Sergius in Act 2:
“I think we two have found the higher love. When I think of you, I feel that I could never do a base deed, or think an ignoble thought.”
In reality, their love is fake. Their love is all about looking good, not feeling real. Sergius is actually selfish and flirts with the maid, Louka. Raina thinks she loves Sergius, but her feeling is only a romantic ideal—in reality, she is impressed by the practicality of Bluntschli. So, when Raina says to Sergius, “I think we two have found the higher love,” Shaw is actually mocking the foolish ideals about love.
Real Higher Love: Bluntschli, the pragmatic soldier, shows what “higher love” means. He does not pretend to be heroic. Raina slowly falls for him because he is honest, not flashy. Their love grows when Raina stops pretending to be a “noble lady” and admits she helped Bluntschli escape. Shaw says true love needs honesty, not fairy-tale roles.
In short, Shaw’s conception is that “higher love” is a love based on honesty, respect, and mutual understanding. What Raina and Sergius think of as “higher love” is not actually true love.