You Never Can Tell : Themes
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, to various questions of You Never Can Tell.
Themes
Love and Marriage: The play explores the theme of love and marriage, especially through the characters of Gloria and Valentine. Gloria is raised with feminist values and believes that marriage restricts a woman’s independence. She is initially resistant to love and the idea of marriage, viewing it as a loss of self-respect. Valentine, however, tries to convince her that love is natural and mutual attraction is like a chemical reaction. The contrast between their views on love adds both humor and tension. By the end of the play, they develop feelings for each other, but Shaw leaves it ambiguous, emphasizing the unpredictability of relationships.
Feminism and Independence: Mrs. Clandon is a strong feminist character who raised her children with modern ideas, especially Gloria. She teaches her daughter that a woman must remain independent and should not marry. Throughout the play, Mrs. Clandon opposes traditional gender roles and criticizes marriage as a patriarchal institution. Gloria also struggles with her mother’s feminist beliefs and her feelings for Valentine. This theme shows the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, especially in terms of women’s rights and freedom.
Family and Reconciliation: The play centers on the Clandon family, especially the estranged relationship between Mrs. Clandon and Mr. Crampton. Mrs. Clandon left Mr. Crampton because of his traditional, authoritarian ways. The children, having been raised without their father, are unsure about reconnecting with him. Throughout the play, the family tries to reconcile, but past conflicts and differences in values make it difficult. In the end, Shaw suggests that family relationships are complicated and unpredictable, and full reconciliation is not always possible.
Social Change: You Never Can Tell reflects the changing social order of the time, particularly the shift from strict Victorian traditions to more modern, progressive values. Mrs. Clandon represents modernity, while Mr. Crampton embodies the traditional Victorian mindset. The conflict between these two characters shows the clash between the old and new ways of thinking about family, marriage, and gender roles. Shaw uses humor and wit to critique Victorian society’s rigid structures and suggest that social change is inevitable.
The Unpredictability of Life: The title You Never Can Tell suggests the central theme of uncertainty. Throughout the play, characters face unexpected developments, whether in family relationships, love, or social expectations. Valentine’s romance with Gloria is unpredictable, as are the family’s interactions with Mr. Crampton. Shaw’s message is clear: life is full of surprises, and we can never fully control what happens. This theme is emphasized by the philosophical waiter, William, who often remarks on the unpredictability of life, giving the play both a humorous and thoughtful tone.