Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shaw, Bernard, 1856-1950

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy" by Bernard Shaw is a play written in the early 20th century. This work blends elements of comedy and philosophical discourse, primarily focusing on the nature of man and societal expectations, particularly concerning love, marriage, and gender dynamics. The characters at the center of this examination include Roebuck Ramsden, Octavius Robinson, and the compelling Ann Whitefield, whose different perspectives unveil complex themes about relationships and personal identity. The opening of the play sets the scene in Ramsden's well-appointed study, depicting him as a man of respect and authority. He receives a visit from the young and appealing Octavius, who is wrestling with the recent death of a benefactor and the implications for his own romantic feelings towards Ann. As they discuss their mutual connection to the deceased, tension arises surrounding the guardianship of Ann, highlighting differing viewpoints on gender roles and societal norms. The entrance of John Tanner further complicates the dynamics, as Ramsden reacts strongly against Tanner's presence and revolutionary ideas, offering a rich dialogue that foreshadows the philosophical debates to come. Overall, the beginnings of this play promise a blend of humor and intelligent critique of early 20th-century social constructs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Eve Sobol and David Widger

Notes:

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_and_Superman

Reading ease score: 72.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 2006-03-22