Contents

Write a note on the plot construction of G.B.Shaw’s Arms and the Man.

Contained with brisk and lively dialogue, efficient characterization and a bridge traditional and problem play GB.Shaw Arms and the man is considered the wittiest play he ever wrote.

The play opens in a melodramatic setting and captures the attention of the audience immediately. The opening scene runs briskly and smoothly. The dialogue between the romantic and beautiful Raina and fugitive Swiss Officer who has sneaked into her bedroom for refuge at midnight is captivating and the melodramatic situation soon gives way to mirth. The deseperate fear with which Bluntschli came in is cased and he is very much believed. He gradually appears in his true colours.

Progress: As the play proceeds forward disillusionment dawns upon Raina step by step. This disillusionment is meant fot the audience and as Shaw antinctively knows That slow and steady wins the race he follows the method of peaceful penetration. Things that Raina had lived for begin to prove false and mreal. Catherine keeps herself in the middle. She is for both views. She is not pleased with Raina’s calling the fugitive ‘the poor darling’ but she helps him away disguised in her husband’s old coat. Things have been quite smooth so far. Nobody can imagine the sprouting of the seed that has taken roof in Raina’s heart.

Complications: Bluntschli arrives to return the coat and complications begin when Petkoff was setting down to a comfortable idle life. The whole story of Bluntschli’s escape and refuge in a Bulgarian lady’s bedroom has spread and finally reached Petkoff and Sergius. When the story is repeated by them before Raina and Catherine an ironical situation is created. They have not the remotest idea that Raina and Catherine were the persons involved. The two feign anger and displeasure at the coarseness of the men. Sergius got rebuked for it.

The situation deteriorates the ate and condemnation of higher love by its chief votaries, Rania and Sergius. Sergius is weary of higher love and make love to Louka for relief. This philandering causes further complications seriously created and supported by Louka. Raina too is inconstant and inclines towards Bluntschli confusion sets in and is aggravated every moment. Further complications are caused by Petkoff’s coat and Raina’s photograph with the inscription on it. There is embarrassment and fun. It is almost climax. The coat helps to highlight Raina’s change of affection.

Denouncement – Sergius is humbled and with it begins the denouncement. He has fallen from that romantic ideal of higher love. He flirts with Louka whose cleverity introduces a fluctuation in his heart. The subtle Louka knows that she is beginning to replace Raina. It is certain that Raina is being dethroned, and Louka manoeuvres her own rise. Shaw, true to his own conviction, has made Louka a woman aggressive in love and the disillusioned romantic Raina goes to the practical man Bluntschli.

Shaw has made successful use of love triangle in this play. In fact, it was necessary to bring out his thesis on love. The triangles between Raina, Sergius and Louka, the best and deserved too. Sergius comes out as a stupid romantic idealist. Raina has also suffered from romantic idealism but she has shown no sings of stupidity, and she is the gainer. Bluntschli has been the most matter-of-fact practical man throughout. He does not hanker after love but is quick to grab the prize.