The Case for Marriage
The Case for Marriage is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the institution of marriage and its societal implications. The story follows two couples who are struggling with their relationships, and through their interactions, Shaw presents his views on love, commitment, and the role of women in society.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1908 · Genre: Philosophical, Social Commentary, Political · 275 words
First lines
Thus, though it would be too much to say that everything that is obnoxious in marriage and family life will be cured by Communism, yet it can be said that it will cure what Jesus objected to in these institutions. He made no comprehensive study of them: he only expressed his own grievance with an overwhelming sense that it is a grievance so deep that all the considerations on the other side are as dust in the balance. Obviously there are such considerations, and very weighty ones too. When Talleyrand said that a married man with a family is capable of anything, he meant anything evil; but an optimist may declare, with equal half truth, that a married man is capable of anything good; that marriage turns vagabonds into steady citizens; and that men and women will, for love of their mates and children, practise virtues that unattached individuals are incapable of.
What this Textopian page supports
The Case for Marriage is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Social Commentary, Political, Literary Criticism, Religious
- Length: 275 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Case for Marriage by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Marriage by George Bernard Shaw
- Jesus On Marriage And The Family by George Bernard Shaw
- Questions Of Divorce by G. K. Chesterton
- Woman by G. K. Chesterton
- My Sons Wife 1913 by Rudyard Kipling
- The Contested Marriage by Samuel Warren
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores deep philosophical questions about marriage, self-denial, and societal norms.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal institutions like marriage and family life, reflecting on their impact on individuals.
- Political — The mention of Communism and its potential effects on marriage indicates a political dimension.
- Literary Criticism — References to Ibsen and literary characters suggest an analysis of literature's portrayal of marriage.
Tags
marriage · relationships · society · love · commitment · gender roles · family · social commentary · cultural critique · romantic ideals · partnership · legal aspects