New Comedy in "Man and Superman"

Paper Summary:

In English literature, George Bernard Shaw represents a manifestation of New Comedy in the British social order, and the comedy in his plays serves as a tool for criticizing the hypocrisy of British society and the direction taken by the social and political order. This paper examines how Shaw uses New Comedy in his famous play, "Man and Superman". It also touches on how Shaw uses New Comedy in several of his other plays.

From the Paper:

"The older generation places obstacles in the path of the lovers, difficulties which have to be overcome before the match can take place. The lovers in these comedies represent ideas, movements, or ideologies which serve them in overcoming the obstacles, and thus it is important how they overcome the obstacles because it furthers the themes inherent in the work. The young lovers will be successful, of course--this is comedy and not tragedy--and their success is celebrated. Why this celebration takes place is important--they have proven the worth of themselves and of what they represent. Ultimately, the structure affirms a celebration of life and of the vitality of the young."

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