Discuss the Salient Features of Modern Drama with special reference to G.B. Shaw.
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Answer
Discuss the salient features of modern drama with special reference to G.B. Shaw.
Or, write a note on Modern English Drama.
Modern Drama is different from earlier plays. It does not focus on kings, queens, or great heroes. It talks about modern people and their problems. It questions society, ideas, and traditions. George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) is a great modern playwright. He writes about real-life issues, class struggles, and human nature. His plays are not just for entertainment but also for teaching. In “You Never Can Tell” (1898) and “Arms and the Man” (1894), he shows the key features of modern drama.
Realism: Modern drama shows real life. It does not have magic, myths, or fantasy. Shaw presents realistic characters and situations. In “You Never Can Tell,” Shaw presents real family problems. The children do not know their father. Their mother is a strong woman. She raises her children alone. This happens in real life. In “Arms and the Man,” war is shown as foolish, not heroic. Bluntschli carries chocolates, not bullets. Bluntschli reveals that all soldiers are afraid of death. He says to Raina:
“All of them [are afraid of death], dear lady, all of them.”
This makes the audience think about the reality of war. This is very real because soldiers feel fear.
Isolation: Modern drama often shows characters who feel alone. They do not fit in with society. In “You Never Can Tell,” Mr. Crampton is separated from his family. He wants to reconnect, but his children do not accept him easily. He feels lonely and struggles to find his place.
Conflict of Heart: Modern drama shows characters who struggle with their feelings. In “You Never Can Tell,” Gloria does not want to fall in love. She tries to act strong, but her heart says something else. But in the end, she feels love for Valentine. This shows her inner conflict. In “Arms and the Man,” Raina is engaged to Sergius, but she feels a strong attraction to Bluntschli. She fights with herselfUnlock this study guide now