Question

Which of Shaw’s plays focuses on the class divide in Edwardian society?

• A. Pygmalion
• B. Arms and the Man
• C. Man and Superman
• D. The Doctor’s Dilemma

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Pygmalion

• "Pygmalion" (1913) by George Bernard Shaw is one of his most famous plays that critiques the class divide in Edwardian society.

• The play explores themes of social class, language, and transformation. It tells the story of a poor flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, who is transformed into a "lady" through speech lessons by phonetics professor Henry Higgins.

• The play highlights how social class is often defined by language and behavior, and questions whether class distinctions are truly based on merit or are simply a social construct.

Arms and the Man is a comedy that satirizes romanticized notions of war and heroism, with a focus on the absurdity of social ideals.

Man and Superman explores themes of social roles, marriage, and human nature, and includes philosophical dialogues on the "Superman" concept.

The Doctor’s Dilemma addresses the ethical issues in the medical profession, particularly focusing on the dilemmas faced by doctors in deciding who receives treatment.

While each of Shaw's plays deals with social issues, "Pygmalion" most directly addresses the class divide in Edwardian society.