Imperialism by George Bernard Shaw
Imperialism is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the theme of colonialism and its impact on both the colonizers and the colonized. The play follows the story of a British family living in India during the height of the British Empire, and their interactions with the local Indian population. Throughout the play, Shaw critiques the hypocrisy and brutality of imperialism, while also highlighting the complexities and contradictions inherent in colonial relationships.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1902 · Genre: Political Commentary, Essay, Satire · 79 words
First lines
Excess of insularity makes a Briton an Imperialist.
Excess of local self-assertion makes a colonist an Imperialist.
A colonial Imperialist is one who raises colonial troops, equips a colonial squadron, claims a Federal Parliament sending its measures to the Throne instead of to the Colonial Office, and, being finally brought by this means into insoluble conflict with the insular British Imperialist, "cuts the painter" and breaks up the Empire.
What this Textopian page supports
Imperialism is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Commentary, Essay, Satire, Historical Analysis
- Length: 79 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Imperialism by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Imperialism?
- How does this essay by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Commentary first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Political Commentary — The text discusses themes of imperialism, colonialism, and political conflict, focusing on the dynamics between Britain and its colonies.
- Essay — The work is structured as a discursive exploration of ideas rather than a narrative, typical of an essay format.
- Satire — The writing style employs irony and critique, characteristic of satirical works, to address the absurdities of imperialist attitudes.
- Historical Analysis — The content reflects on historical and political developments related to the British Empire and its colonies.
Tags
colonialism · politics · economics · critique · society · power · ethics · nationalism · war · culture · exploitation · history