How does Valentine define love?
You Never Can Tell 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 You Never Can Tell.
Answer
How does Valentine define love? [2020, 2016] ✪✪✪
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) wrote “You Never Can Tell” in 1898. In this play, Valentine, the young dentist, gives a new meaning to love. He defines love not as a dream or worship but as a natural and realistic human feeling.
Valentine’s Realistic View: Valentine’s idea of love is practical and modern. He does not follow the old romantic style. He believes love is a real emotion between a man and a woman. He refuses to act like a dreamy lover. He treats love as a fact of life, not a fantasy.
Love as A Natural Force: Valentine thinks love is a part of nature. It is born from human instinct and emotion. He says,
“Nature was in deadly earnest with me when I was in jest with her.”
Through this line, he shows that love is powerful and serious, not playful or false.
Love as Chemistry: Valentine explains love in scientific terms. He believes that the attraction between a man and a woman is like a chemical reaction. He says,
“No, no, no. Not love: we know better than that. Let’s call it chemistry.”
This witty remark shows his logical and modern view of love.
Anti-Romantic Attitude: Valentine does not idealize or worship women. He rejects the idea of kneeling before a lady or praising her blindly. He expresses love through action, not words. His direct and honest approach makes him different from romantic heroes.
Thus, Valentine defines love as real, natural, and human. Shaw uses him to reject false romantic ideas. His love is based on truth, instinct, and understanding, not on dreams or emotional exaggeration.