The Alternative to Barrabas
The Alternative to Barrabas is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the themes of religion and politics in ancient Palestine. The story follows the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as well as the political machinations surrounding his death. Throughout the play, Shaw challenges traditional interpretations of Christianity and offers a new perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1932 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Political Fiction, Religious Fiction · 839 words
First lines
But mobs must be faced if civilization is to be saved. It did not need the present war to show that neither the iconographic Christ nor the Christ of St. Paul has succeeded in effecting the salvation of human society. Whilst I write, the Turks are said to be massacring the Armenian Christians on an unprecedented scale; but Europe is not in a position to remonstrate; for her Christians are slaying one another by every device which civilization has put within their reach as busily as they are slaying the Turks. Barabbas is triumphant everywhere; and the final use he makes of his triumph is to lead us all to suicide with heroic gestures and resounding lies.
What this Textopian page supports
The Alternative to Barrabas is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1932 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: 1932 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Political Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire, Social Commentary
- Length: 839 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Alternative to Barrabas by George Bernard Shaw
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep philosophical themes about society, religion, and human nature.
- Political Fiction — Critiques social and political structures, particularly focusing on the failures of societal organization.
- Religious Fiction — Engages with religious themes and reinterprets the teachings of Jesus in a modern context.
- Satire — Uses irony and critique to address societal norms and the failures of civilization.
Tags
drama · theater · politics · religion · philosophy · sacrifice · redemption · social commentary · historical · conflict · morality · character study