THE COMIC DENIAL AND CRITIQUE OF ROMANTIC IDEALS IN GEORGE BERNARD SHAW’S DRAMA “ARMS AND THE MAN”
Keywords:
George Bernard Shaw, Arms and the Man, romantic idealsAbstract
This article explores the comic rejection and critical deconstruction of romantic ideals in George Bernard Shaw’s play Arms and the Man. By analyzing the characters, dialogue, and plot structure, the study demonstrates how Shaw employs irony and satire to challenge the glorification of war, heroism, and romantic love typical of 19th-century literature. The article highlights Shaw’s rationalist approach, where realistic and pragmatic values are elevated over sentimental idealism. Special attention is given to the contrast between illusion and reality, as well as the transformation of characters such as Raina and Bluntschli, who embody the transition from romantic delusion to practical understanding. The paper concludes that Arms and the Man serves not only as a comedy but also as a platform for Shaw’s social commentary on the absurdity of idealized values.
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