Melodrama In Arms And The Man Summary

PRAGMATISM AND ANTI-ROMANTICISM IN ARMS AND THE MAN
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
During 19th century, theater was entering so called Modern theater, one of the most important phases of its history. In this phase, theatre is divided into two parts: early and late. The early period was dominated by melodrama and Romanticism. Melodrama refers to a dramatic work that exaggerates plot and characters in order to appeal to the emotions. One of the figures who build this new type of drama is George Bernard Shaw. He wrote frankly and satirically on political and social topics such as class, war, feminism, and the Salvation Army, in plays such as Arms and the Man (1894), Major Barbara (1905), and, most famously, Pygmalion (1913)

Shaw’s realistic approach to life has made him question the set notions under

Adolf was depressed about the state of his marriage and seeks the advice of his new friend Gustav, who recommended a novel scheme to solve Adolf's woes. However, Gustav was not the neutral counselor but Adolf seems to think he is; and his vested interest in Adolf and Tekla's marriage was the source of the great power of this play. Creditors were first published in Danish in 1889 before being printed in Swedish the following year.
In addition to this, the reports by Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Siddiqui in the Arms and the Man, a wonderful play by Bernard Shaw, reflects wonderfully about the elements of realism. In this play, Shaw attacks genially the romantic notions of war and love. He has adopted realistic approach in depicting every day activities which were common those days. Here Shaw attacks the social follies of society in order to bring a positive change for which he received criticism. Shaw rejects romanticism in order to embrace realism. Finally, he succeeds in his attempt to exhibit the idea of the realist trumping the