How can Bluntschli be called an ‘Anti-Hero’?

Answer

How can Bluntschli be called an ‘Anti-Hero’?

An anti-hero is a main character who does not have the usual qualities of a hero, like bravery, strength, or nobility. Instead, he is practical, realistic, and sometimes even cowardly. Bluntschli, in G. B. Shaw’s (1856-1950) “Arms and the Man” (1894), is a perfect example of an anti-hero. Shaw makes him an anti-hero to show how wrong people’s ideas are about love and war.

Not Brave but Realistic: Unlike traditional heroes, Bluntschli is not fearless or romantic. He is not a brave soldier. He enters Raina’s bedroom to save his life. We learn that he is a practical man. He is only a professional soldier, a Swiss man fighting for Serbia for some extra cash. Instead of carrying bullets, he carries chocolates in his pockets (to eat when he is hungry). This is because he cares more about survival than fighting.

Bluntschli is also very practical. He does not believe in war as a glorious event. He sees it as dangerous and foolish. He openly says that all soldiers are afraid of dying. He says to Raina that all soldiers are afraid to die:

“All of them [are afraid to die], dear lady… It is our duty to live as long as we can.”

He does not pretend to be a noble warrior. He is smart enough to stay alive and win battles with intelligence, not blind courage. In this way, Shaw portrays Bluntschli as an anti-hero—showing war is not all about heroism and bravery.

Not Romantic: Another reason Bluntschli is an anti-hero is that he does not act like a typical romantic lover. While Sergius and Raina act dramatically in love, Bluntschli is straightforward. He does not try to impress Raina with poetry or flattery. Instead, he wins her heart by being honest. He wins her by treating her like a real person.

To wrap up, Shaw’s anti-hero Bluntschli proves that intelligence, honesty, and practicality are more important than fake heroism.