How does Shaw satirize Victorian ‘modern’ relationships in You Never Can Tell?

Answer

How does Shaw satirize Victorian ‘modern’ relationships in You Never Can Tell? [2018] 

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) satirizes Victorian family life and marriage in his famous play “You Never Can Tell” (1898). He mocks the false “modern” relationships of his time. Through humor and irony, he exposes pride, misunderstanding, and selfishness in family and love.

False Modernity: Shaw shows that many Victorians called themselves “modern,” but they were not truly modern in thought. Mrs. Clandon thinks she is free and modern, yet she repeats the same mistakes. She separates from her husband, Mr. Crampton, but still controls her children’s minds. Shaw exposes this false sense of progress and independence.

Conflict Between Old and New: Mr. Crampton represents the old, proud, and strict Victorian man. He is called “a domestic tyrant” by Mrs. Clandon. He believes men should rule women. Mrs. Clandon, on the other hand, believes in freedom and equality. Their failed marriage shows the clash between old and new ideas. Shaw uses this conflict to laugh at the hypocrisy of Victorian modernity.

Satire On Romantic Love: Shaw mocks romantic love through Valentine and Gloria. Their love begins with argument, not poetry. Valentine says, 

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

This witty line attacks the false emotions of romantic lovers. Shaw shows that real love is natural, not dreamy or artificial.

Irony and Realism: Shaw’s humor and irony make the play realistic. He laughs at both the old system and the new, so-called modern one. His characters pretend to be free but still follow social pride and ego.

Thus, Shaw satirizes Victorian modern relationships by showing false pride, weak understanding, and unreal love. Through wit and irony, he teaches that true modern life means honesty, equality, and natural human connection.