Definition Man and Superman is a four-act philosophical drama by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, first published in 1903. It is often considered one of his most significant works, combining intellectual debate with comedic elements to explore themes of evolution, sex, marriage, and the human will.
Overview The play centers on John Tanner, an articulate and radical bachelor, who finds himself pursued by the determined Ann Whitefield, his ward and an embodiment of what Shaw termed the "Life Force." Through the ensuing comedic and intellectual struggle, Shaw explores his theories on the evolutionary drive of humanity, the dynamics of the sexes, and the societal conventions surrounding love and marriage. A notable feature of the play is the third act, titled "Don Juan in Hell," a philosophical dream sequence that is often performed as a standalone work due to its length and distinct thematic focus. This act delves deeper into the concept of the "Superman" (Shaw's interpretation of Nietzsche's Übermensch) and the purpose of human existence. The play is also accompanied by "The Revolutionist's Handbook," a lengthy appendix attributed to John Tanner, which further expounds upon the play's philosophical ideas.
Etymology/Origin Shaw conceived Man and Superman between 1901 and 1903, prompted by critic Arthur Bingham Walkley's challenge for Shaw to write a play based on the Don Juan theme. Shaw, however, sought to reverse the traditional narrative, presenting Don Juan not as a seducer but as a philosopher driven by intellectual evolution, while the woman becomes the primary pursuer, motivated by the "Life Force" to propagate the species. The play draws heavily on the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche, particularly his concept of the Übermensch, which Shaw reinterprets as a goal for humanity to achieve through conscious evolution. The full play, including the "Don Juan in Hell" sequence, was first performed in 1905 at the Royal Court Theatre in London, though the dream sequence was initially omitted due to its length and complexity, only to be included in later productions.
Characteristics
- Genre: Philosophical comedy, discussion play, New Drama.
- Structure: Comprises four acts. The third act, "Don Juan in Hell," is a lengthy dream sequence that functions as a philosophical debate and is often performed independently. The play also includes "The Revolutionist's Handbook," a substantial appendix of aphorisms and essays.
- Themes:
- The Life Force: Shaw's concept of an unconscious, vital energy that drives all living beings, particularly women, towards reproduction and the advancement of the species.
- The Superman (Übermensch): An individual who transcends conventional morality and societal norms to advance human evolution, not through brute force but through intellectual and spiritual development.
- Battle of the Sexes: The comedic and serious struggle between men and women, with women often portrayed as the more pragmatic and relentless agents of the Life Force.
- Marriage and Society: A critique of conventional marriage as a social institution and an exploration of its role in human evolution.
- Revolution and Philosophy: Exploration of radical ideas, social reform, and the role of intellect in shaping society.
- Characters:
- John Tanner: A wealthy, intellectual, and self-proclaimed "Revolutionist" who articulates many of Shaw's own philosophical views. He fears marriage as a trap for the Life Force.
- Ann Whitefield: The charming and manipulative embodiment of the Life Force, determined to marry Tanner despite his resistance.
- Octavius Robinson: A romantic and idealistic young man, deeply in love with Ann, but ultimately unsuited to her evolutionary agenda.
- Roebuck Ramsden: An older, conservative guardian who represents traditional Victorian values.
- Henry Straker: Tanner's chauffeur, a symbol of the emerging working-class intelligence.
- Mendoza: A philosophical brigand who appears in the "Don Juan in Hell" sequence.
- Style: Characterized by extensive, witty, and often paradoxical dialogue; intellectual debates; satire; and a challenging of societal norms. Shaw uses his characters as mouthpieces for complex philosophical ideas.
Related Topics
- George Bernard Shaw
- Philosophical drama
- Friedrich Nietzsche (specifically the concept of Übermensch)
- Don Juan legend
- Fabian Society (Shaw's political affiliation)
- Suffragette movement (context of women's evolving roles)
- Modernism in literature
- Theatre of ideas