What do you know about anti-romantic comedy?
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
What do you know about anti-romantic comedy? [2020]
An anti-romantic comedy is the opposite of a romantic comedy. It has love and humor. But the love story faces problems from the characters themselves. Their minds and emotions create trouble. It usually does not have a happy ending. The Play “You Never Can Tell” (1898) is anti-romantic because Shaw (1856–1950) satirizes the romantic and idealistic notions about love and life.
Anti-Romantic Comedy: The word “anti” means “against.” Anti-romantic comedy is the opposite of romantic comedy. It rejects false dreams about love and marriage. Shaw uses this form to criticize sentimental love. He laughs at the foolish and unrealistic ideas of lovers. In this play, romance is mixed with reality and human weakness.
Ironical Setting: At the beginning, the story looks romantic. Valentine, a young dentist, falls in love with Gloria. But soon, love becomes a conflict of reason and emotion. The romantic feeling turns into real-life struggle. Shaw’s use of irony exposes the truth behind ideal love and family life.
Anti-Romantic Ideas: Shaw shows that love is not worship but understanding. Mrs. Clandon teaches her children modern values, yet her daughter, Gloria, disobeys and falls in love with Valentine. Valentine does not act like a dreamy lover. He says,
“Nature was in deadly earnest with me when I was in jest with her.”
He treats love as a natural and realistic emotion, not a fantasy.
In conclusion, an anti-romantic comedy rejects dreamy love and false ideals. It shows love in a real, practical, and thoughtful way. Shaw teaches that true love needs reason and understanding.