Man and Superman

Name: Man and Superman
Author: George Bernard Shaw

Man and Superman is a four-act play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1903. It is a philosophical comedy that follows the life of John Tanner, a wealthy, intellectual, and idealistic bachelor. The play begins with Tanner's friend, Jack Tanner, trying to convince him to marry Ann Whitefield, a young woman who is determined to marry him. Tanner is not interested in marriage, but he is intrigued by Ann's intelligence and wit. The second act follows Tanner's journey to Spain, where he meets a revolutionary, Don Juan, who is determined to overthrow the government. Don Juan's revolutionary ideas inspire Tanner to pursue his own ideals and to become a "superman" who will bring about a better world. The third act follows Tanner's return to England, where he meets Ann again and finally agrees to marry her. However, he is still determined to pursue his own ideals and to become a "superman." The fourth act follows Tanner's attempt to bring about a better world. He attempts to create a utopian society, but his plans are thwarted by the government and the people. In the end, Tanner is forced to accept that his dreams of a better world are impossible.

By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1903 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Philosophical Fiction · 5 chapters · 68,716 words

First lines

My dear Walkley:

You once asked me why I did not write a Don Juan play. The levity with which you assumed this frightful responsibility has probably by this time enabled you to forget it; but the day of reckoning has arrived: here is your play! I say your play, because qui facit per alium facit per se. Its profits, like its labor, belong to me: its morals, its manners, its philosophy, its influence on the young, are for you to justify. You were of mature age when you made the suggestion; and you knew your man.

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Man and Superman is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Play
Author: George Bernard Shaw
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Romance, Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Comedy
Length: 68,716 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 2,124 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Drama — Man and Superman is a four-act drama written by George Bernard Shaw. It is a philosophical comedy that explores the ideas of free will and predestination.
Romance — The play follows the romantic relationship between Ann Whitefield and John Tanner, two characters who are in love but have different views on life.
Philosophical Fiction — The play is a philosophical comedy that explores the ideas of free will and predestination. It also examines the nature of power and the roles of men and women in society.
Satire — Man and Superman is a satirical play that uses humor to criticize the social conventions of the time. Shaw uses wit and irony to poke fun at the upper classes and their attitudes towards marriage and gender roles.