International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies (Mar 2017)
Shaw’s Concept of Marriage in Man and Superman: A Critical Analysis
Abstract
Marriage is undoubtedly the most discussed concept in literary history without which the society is dispensed with its most necessary building block to function properly. Clearly, marriage is a happy union of two individuals who love each other; nonetheless, its joyful aspect was overshadowed from the Victorian period. Even this negative perspective was taken into an extreme extent by authors like George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). Shaw's views on marriage are based on his positive theory of creative evolution. He is not against the institution of marriage but he is against its present customs and laws which has made the marriage a mere means of unlimited and unrestrained sexual pleasure and away from the betterment of species. For Shaw, true love has faded away and sentimentality created all the unreality and romance of married life. As such, he believes that the best role performed by woman is that of a huntress or a chaser in seek of a husband to supply her financially. Thus, the present paper, briefly address the Shavian Philosophy of marriage in Man and Superman and show a thorough critical evolution of his vision for an amiable society and a peaceful life.
