Waiting for the Messiah
Waiting for the Messiah is a play written by George Bernard Shaw that explores themes of religion and politics. The story follows a group of characters who are waiting for the arrival of a messianic figure, but their expectations are challenged when he finally appears. The play is known for its satirical commentary on organized religion and political systems.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1904 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction · 840 words
First lines
Another new feature in Luke's story is that it begins in a world in which everyone is expecting the advent of the Christ. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus comes into a normal Philistine world like our own of today. Not until the Baptist foretells that one greater than himself shall come after him does the old Jewish hope of a Messiah begin to stir again; and as Jesus begins as a disciple of John, and is baptized by him, nobody connects him with that hope until Peter has the sudden inspiration which produces so startling an effect on Jesus. But in Luke's gospel men's minds, and especially women's minds, are full of eager expectation of a Christ not only before the birth of Jesus, but before the birth of John the Baptist, the event with which Luke begins his story. Whilst Jesus and John are still in their mothers' wombs, John leaps at the approach of Jesus when the two mothers visit one another. At the circumcision of Jesus pious men and women hail the infant as the Christ.
What this Textopian page supports
Waiting for the Messiah is listed on Textopian as a play by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Drama
- Length: 840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Waiting for the Messiah 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 Waiting for the Messiah?
- How does this play by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Miracles by George Bernard Shaw
- Jesus Joins The Baptists by George Bernard Shaw
- The Vindictive Miracles And The Stoning Of Stephen by George Bernard Shaw
- The Honor Of Divine Parentage by George Bernard Shaw
- The Alternative To Barrabas by George Bernard Shaw
- The Jesters Of The Lord by Frederic Manning
Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative revolves around the anticipation of the Messiah and the religious context of Jesus' life and teachings.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a historical context, exploring events and figures from biblical times.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into philosophical themes such as the nature of miracles, the kingdom of heaven, and the brotherhood of man.
- Satire — The narrative includes satirical elements, particularly in its portrayal of miracles and religious figures.
Tags
drama · theater · religion · philosophy · satire · social commentary · humanism · belief · faith · redemption · messianism · existentialism