The Miracles by George Bernard Shaw
The Miracles is a play by George Bernard Shaw that explores the themes of religion and faith. The story follows a group of characters who are searching for meaning in their lives, and ultimately find it through unexpected means. The play is known for its witty dialogue and thought-provoking commentary on society's relationship with religion.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1934 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire · 927 words
First lines
He has certain abnormal powers by which he can perform miracles. He is ashamed of these powers, but, being extremely compassionate, cannot refuse to exercise them when afflicted people beg him to cure them, when multitudes of people are hungry, and when his disciples are terrified by storms on the lakes. He asks for no reward, but begs the people not to mention these powers of his. There are two obvious reasons for his dislike of being known as a worker of miracles. One is the natural objection of all men who possess such powers, but have far more important business in the world than to exhibit them, to be regarded primarily as charlatans, besides being pestered to give exhibitions to satisfy curiosity. The other is that his view of the effect of miracles upon his mission is exactly that taken later on by Rousseau. He perceives that they will discredit him and divert attention from his doctrine by raising an entirely irrelevant issue between his disciples and his opponents.
What this Textopian page supports
The Miracles is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1934 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: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 927 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Miracles 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Miracles?
- How does this essay by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep philosophical questions about the nature of miracles and their impact on religious belief and doctrine.
- Religious Fiction — Centers around religious themes, particularly the role of miracles in Christianity and their effect on faith.
- Satire — Critiques the societal and religious obsession with miracles, using irony and wit to challenge conventional beliefs.
- Drama — Involves intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly the protagonist's internal struggle with his miraculous abilities.
Tags
philosophy · theater · drama · religion · miracles · humanity · belief · faith · existentialism · social commentary · satire · dialogue