Arms and the Man
Arms and the Man
A Pleasant Play
Book Excerpt
obviously disregards all the canons and unities and other things which every well-bred dramatist is bound to respect that his work is really unworthy of serious criticism (orthodox). Indeed he knows no more about the dramatic art than, according to his own story in "The Man of Destiny," Napoleon at Tavazzano knew of the Art of War. But both men were successes each in his way--the latter won victories and the former gained audiences, in the very teeth of the accepted theories of war and the theatre. Shaw does not know that it is unpardonable sin to have his characters make long speeches at one another, apparently thinking that this embargo applies only to long speeches which consist mainly of bombast and rhetoric. There never was an author who showed less predilection for a specific medium by which to accomplish his results. He recognized, early in his days, many things awry in the world and he assumed the task of mundane reformation with a confident spirit. It seems such a small job at twenty to set the times
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Some 12th grade students might find the book boring but I find it rather interesting.
Shaw presents a society were the masters and the servants are clearly separated.We see that the servants are true to themsleves whie the matersare the ones who put up a facade thereby hiding their true nature.
All in all,I find it rather intriguing as I get the inside scoop of what actually happens in the homes and lives of those who control our society.
Shaw presents a society were the masters and the servants are clearly separated.We see that the servants are true to themsleves whie the matersare the ones who put up a facade thereby hiding their true nature.
All in all,I find it rather intriguing as I get the inside scoop of what actually happens in the homes and lives of those who control our society.
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This play has characters who are stupid idiotica and moronic who deserve a smack on the face
04/29/2011
although we have studied this book at secondary school but I find it wourth to be read every single day!
12/01/2010
It is one of the best plays I have ever read. It has all the elements that make a play interesting. The play does an excellent job at ridiculing the outdated notion of chivalry.
06/14/2007