Why does the relationship between Mr Crampton and Mrs Clandon fail in “You Never Can Tell”?

Answer

Why does the relationship between Mr. Crampton and Mrs. Clandon fail in “You Never Can Tell”? [2021, 2015] ✪✪✪ 

In “You Never Can Tell”, George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) shows an unhappy marriage between Mr. Crampton and Mrs. Clandon. The play was written in 1897. Shaw mocks Victorian family life through this mismatched couple. Mr. Crampton is old-fashioned, but Mrs. Clandon is modern and free-minded.

Victorian Tendency: Shaw shows the feminist spirit of the Victorian age. Many women wanted freedom and privacy from their husbands. But Mr. Crampton is different. He is proud and wants full control. Mrs. Clandon cannot accept such behaviour. She says her husband is “a domestic tyrant.” Because of his temper and pride, she separates from him. She also changes her family name and teaches her children her own modern ideas.

Lack of Mutual Understanding: A happy marriage needs mutual understanding. But in this play, both fail to understand each other. Mr. Crampton always thinks he is right. Mrs. Clandon feels hurt and lonely. Their difference in thought and feeling leads to complete separation. Shaw shows that love cannot live without sympathy and respect.

Lack of Familial Love: A family grows with love and care. But Mr. and Mrs. Clandon have no real affection. Their hearts are cold and distant. Mrs. Clandon leaves her husband with her children. As Walter Buhon says, 

“It’s unwise to be born; it’s unwise to be married.” 

This line shows the pain of an unhappy family life. Thus, their marriage fails because love, care, and understanding are missing. Shaw teaches that family life can only succeed with respect, equality, and affection between husband and wife.