Judge Not by George Bernard Shaw
Judge Not is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the themes of justice and morality. The story follows a group of characters who are brought together in a courtroom to determine the fate of a young man accused of murder. Throughout the play, Shaw challenges traditional notions of right and wrong, questioning whether it is possible for anyone to truly judge another person's actions.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1937 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Social Criticism, Satire · 428 words
First lines
In dealing with crime and the family, modern thought and experience have thrown no fresh light on the views of Jesus. When Swift had occasion to illustrate the corruption of our civilization by making a catalogue of the types of scoundrels it produces, he always gave judges a conspicuous place alongside of them they judged. And he seems to have done this not as a restatement of the doctrine of Jesus, but as the outcome of his own observation and judgment. One of Mr. Gilbert Chesterton's stories has for its hero a judge who, whilst trying a criminal case, is so overwhelmed by the absurdity of his position and the wickedness of the things it forces him to do, that he throws off the ermine there and then, and goes out into the world to live the life of an honest man instead of that of a cruel idol.
What this Textopian page supports
Judge Not is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1937 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1937 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Social Criticism, Satire, Drama, Religious Commentary
- Length: 428 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Judge Not by George Bernard Shaw
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Idolatry by George Bernard Shaw
- The Three Kinds Of Men by G. K. Chesterton
- Pauls Qualities by George Bernard Shaw
- Charity by George Bernard Shaw
- Good Intentions by George Bernard Shaw
- The Secret Society Of Mankind by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep philosophical themes such as determinism, free will, and moral judgment.
- Social Criticism — Critiques societal norms and the justice system, reflecting on the absurdities and cruelties of civilization.
- Satire — Uses irony and wit to criticize the legal system and societal beliefs.
- Drama — Presents dramatic scenarios involving judges and moral dilemmas.
Tags
morality · judgment · ethics · social criticism · human nature · philosophy · drama · satire · religion · hypocrisy · character study · conflict