Reviews

Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

emmawocke's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

paola_mobileread's review against another edition

3.0

Enjoyable read, this play has good rythm, but for me it was simply entartaining, and nothing more. Much of the wit bounces off the two most chiselled characters, the maid Louka and the Swiss soldier, but the social satire feels dated today.

queen_perfection's review against another edition

funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

nicozinos's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this play. It was very clever and witty and moved along so fast that I was had finished it before I knew it. All the characters are so well done and play off of each other perfectly. 

mybookloveobsession's review against another edition

3.0

Not my cup of tea but a nice story

vitaluna's review against another edition

5.0

4 stars, or 5 stars, that is the question....
Could he have done anything better?
Not really...
5 stars it is!

inesparis's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aethenea's review

4.0

I forgot how much I enjoy G. B. Shaw's writing!

vickymcckey's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

pream's review against another edition

funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

G.B. Shaw's play "Arms and the Man" is a captivating anti-romantic comedy that showcases his signature style of thought-provoking drama, focusing on ideas rather than mere entertainment. In stark contrast to Vergil's "The Aeneid", which glorifies battle, Shaw's writing takes a critical stance. He skillfully dismantles idealistic notions of life, particularly those surrounding love and war, while also employing satire to highlight real-world societal challenges. Personally, I find the play's iconic dialogues to be truly stimulating.

In addition, I believe that "Arms and the Man" should be included in the curriculum of Indian schools as it can help students grasp the concept of hyper-nationalism (coupled with targated religious intolerance against the people of a particular religion), which is currently prevailing in India due to the government's influence and the sellout, boot licking mainstream media.