The Arms and The Man
Arms and the Man," written in 1894, is a romantic comedy that delves into the absurdities of war and the nature of love and bravery.
A Brief Biography of G.B. Shaw
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1955) was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist, known for his wit and social critiques. Born in Dublin, Shaw moved to London in his twenties and became a prolific writer. He was largely self-educated, drawing insights from vast reading and personal experiences. Shaw wrote more than 60 plays during his lifetime, addressing various social issues including education, marriage, religion, government, health care, and class privilege. Some of his most famous works include "Pygmalion," "Saint Joan," and "Major Barbara." He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925. Apart from his career in theatre, Shaw was also an active socialist, advocating for equality and the rights of the working class. His works often reflect his political and social beliefs, blending satire with serious examinations of society.
Arms and the Man," written in 1894, is one of Shaw's earliest plays and is set against the backdrop of the Serbo-Bulgarian War. It is a romantic comedy that delves into the absurdities of war and the nature of love and bravery. Through the play, Shaw debunks romanticised notions of warfare and heroism, suggesting that they are founded more on ignorance and illusion than on reality.
Summary
Act I
The first act of "Arms and the Man" unfolds in the opulent bedroom of Raina Petkoff, a young Bulgarian woman of noble descent. The room, with its lavish furnishings and oriental motifs, reflects Raina’s romantic notions of the world. Her mother, Catherine, enters to deliver exciting news: a battle in the Serbo-Bulgarian War has just concluded in the Bulgarians' favour, and Raina's fiancé, Major Sergius Saranoff, plays a pivotal role. Raina is thrilled, as she holds idealistic and romantic views about war and heroism.
Later that night, while everyone is asleep, a mysterious figure – an enemy Serbian soldier – seeks refuge in Raina's room, having escaped from a tight situation by scaling the balcony. He is Captain Bluntschli, a professional soldier of Swiss heritage who, despite his enemy status, does not fit Raina's fantastical vision of a fearsome warrior. Instead, he is pragmatic and weary, revealing that he carries chocolates in his cartridge belt instead of bullets. This revelation shocks Raina, challenging her preconceived notions about the nobility of warfare.
As Bulgarian soldiers close in, hunting for the enemy, Raina decides to hide Bluntschli. Her choice stems partially from compassion and perhaps from a hint of a burgeoning attraction. Despite the danger, Bluntschli maintains his calm, often using humour to downplay the situation.
At the end of Act I, it is clear that Raina’s world, filled with illusions about love and war, is about to be upended. Bluntschli’s chocolates symbolise the pragmatism of real warfare, in stark contrast to the tales of glory that Raina cherishes. Before making his exit, Bluntschli borrows an old coat from Raina's father to keep warm, and they arrange for its return in the future.
Act II
Four months have passed since the events of the first act. The setting is the garden of the Petkoff residence, where the interactions between characters intensify.
The act begins with a discussion between two servants, Louka and Nicola. Louka, a beautiful and ambitious maidservant, nurses aspirations that surpass her current status. Nicola, the pragmatic head servant, is more content with his station and believes in making the best of circumstances.
Major Sergius Saranoff, Raina’s fiancé and a supposedly gallant warrior, finally returns home. But cracks in his gallant image appear when he flirts with Louka, revealing a side of him that is at odds with the upright soldier everyone believes him to be. Louka challenges Sergius's feelings for Raina, hinting that his affections might be more complex than they seem.
The most significant event in this act is Captain Bluntschli's unexpected return. He arrives at the Petkoff residence to return the old coat he had borrowed, leading to awkward and comical situations. While Major Petkoff and Sergius initially fail to recognise him, Raina immediately knows who he is. His presence stirs feelings in her that contrast sharply with the admiration she has for her war-hero fiancé.
The dynamics between the characters become more intricate. Raina's initial infatuation with Bluntschli's candour and practicality grows, while Sergius's attraction to the bold and daring Louka becomes more palpable. The act culminates in the revelation that Bluntschli is not just a mere soldier but also a successful hotelier, elevating him in the eyes of the Petkoffs.
Act III
The third act centres around the library of the Petkoff home, a space that Major Petkoff takes immense pride in, despite it being modestly furnished.
The relationships between characters continue to evolve. Bluntschli, always the pragmatist, assists Major Petkoff and Sergius with military logistics, impressing them with his competence. Meanwhile, Raina's feelings for him grow stronger, becoming harder to hide.
Louka's boldness peaks in this act when she reveals to Sergius that Raina's ideals about war and heroism are but illusions, further hinting at Raina's attraction to Bluntschli. Sergius, torn between his feelings for Louka and his commitment to Raina, faces a moral dilemma. Louka challenges him, forcing him to confront his genuine feelings.
The act, filled with twists and revelations, ends with a series of dramatic events. Sergius breaks off his engagement with Raina, choosing instead to propose to Louka. Raina, while initially taken aback, soon admits her feelings for Bluntschli. When it's revealed that Bluntschli believes Raina to be much younger than she is, a comedic exchange ensues, ending with Bluntschli's proposal to Raina.
Character list
Raina Petkoff: A romantic and idealistic young woman engaged to Sergius.
Captain Bluntschli: A pragmatic and professional Swiss mercenary fighting for the Serbian army.
Major Sergius Saranoff: Raina's fiancé, portrayed as a dashing hero but with a more complex personality.
Louka: A bold and ambitious maidservant who has aspirations beyond her station.
Nicola: The head servant, pragmatic and focused on self-preservation.
Catherine Petkoff: Raina's mother, who is concerned with social appearance.
Major Paul Petkoff: Raina's father, a bit bumbling and easily impressed.
Literary devices
Satire: Shaw uses humour to criticise and expose the absurdities of romanticised war and love.
Symbolism: Items like Bluntschli's chocolates symbolise his practicality and rejection of war's glamour.
Irony: Many situations, like Sergius's "heroic" charge being a blunder, reveal ironic twists.
Dialogue: Shaw's sharp wit is evident in the dialogue, revealing character insights and social critiques.
"Arms and the Man" is not just a comedy but a deep examination of romantic ideals versus reality. Shaw masterfully debunks the glamorization of war and confronts the true nature of heroism. The characters' relationships and interactions shed light on societal expectations, ambitions, and the nature of love. Shaw’s signature wit, combined with his astute observations on society, makes the play both entertaining and thought-provoking. It challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions and beliefs, showcasing Shaw's enduring brilliance as a playwright and critic.
Written by Pooran Chandra