Candida By George Bernard Shaw involves the Victorian era’s complexities of love and marriage. The play revolves around a woman who chooses love over materialism. She believed that Morell needed her more than anyone in life.
In this article, I will provide information related to this literary play. I will cover the following things:
- Author
- Characters
- Summary
- Analysis
- Themes
- Lessons
- Review
- Conclusion
Author
Starting with the author’s introduction. This elegant play was written by George Bernard Shaw in 1894. In 1898, it was later published in collections of the writer’s work. This is a serious comedy play with a narrative structure comprising three acts. Some famous Geroge Bernard Shaw plays are:
Characters
You will find these characters:
Candida
She is the protagonist of the play. The author depicted her as a 33-year-old woman. She loved her husband Morell. She preferred true love over everything.
James Morell
He is Candida’s husband. He works at the church as a clergyman. He had a great reputation in society. He loves Candida deeply.
Mr.Burgess
He is Candida’s father. The author portrayed him as a greedy and selfish old soul.
Reverand Alexander or Lexy
He is Morell mate. He considered Morell as his idol.
Miss Prosperine Garnett or Prossy
She is Morell’s assistant in church. She secretly loves Morell but never confesses to him.
Eugene Marchbanks
He is a young 18-year-old boy who came to Candida’s house. He admitted to Morell that he loved Candida. This caused a conflict between the two men.
Candida By GB Shaw Summary
Act 1
The scene is set in the north of England during October. Morell, a renowned clergyman is engrossed in reading letters in his office while his assistant Prossy, is present. She informed Morell about the invitations. Soon, Lexy joined them. Morell informed him that Candida was coming today. He had to pick her up from the station but he was busy. After some time, Mr. Burgess visited Morell. He is Candida’s father in the play. The author portrayed Burgess as a greedy and selfish man.
He asks forgiveness from Morell for a past clash. The only reason for this gesture was his aims. He heard that his son-in-law is getting a promotion. This would ease his paths. The story runs when Morell comes home and meets his wife Candida. She introduced Morell to an 18-year-old poet named Eugene. She told Morell that Eugene helped her in the journey. Mr. Burgess learned that Eigene is wealthy and has royal links. He started giving him respect.
After Candida rushes to prepare lunch, Eugenee confesses to Morell that he loves Candida. He said he didn’t like Candida doing these house tasks. This angered Morell and he asked Eugene to get out of the house. Soon, Candida reached and they ended their quarrel.
Act 2
Eugene was waiting in the room when Prossy arrived. They had a conversation. She told Eugene that she deeply loved Morell. Their discussion was interrupted by Mr.Bargess.Prossy behaved rudely to this old man. The story runs when Candida comes to Morell. She informed him that Eugene was in love with her. Further, Prossy has affection for Morell. This news shocked Morell.
Lexy came to Morell and informed him about the lecture in church. Morell was depressed. He rejected but Candida persuaded him. He went to lecture.
Act 3
The story ends in the night. Candida was waiting for Morell. Eugene was also there for dinner. He was reciting poetry to her but Canduda was lost in another world. Morell returned to the house and asked Candida to choose between the two men. She said that she would stay with the one who needed her most. After this answer, Eugeneret turned to his house, He accepted his defeat, and Candida preferred his husband. Morell needed her most in difficult times. That’s why Candida preferred love over luxuries.
Analysis
George Bernard Shaw highlighted the expectations of love and marriage during the Victorian era. The author also elucidates the different nature of humans in this play. Different thinking levels are mentioned. You will learn the selfish nature of Mr.Burgess.He only cared for his desires.
Eugene is a young guy in play. His belief in love was completely different. He thought love only needs luxuries. Candida proved him wrong. She gave a lesson that love needs care and respect. She was doing housework for her family. She found pleasure in this thing. It was not a pressure. The play became interesting due to Candida’s decision.
Themes
The common themes are:
Love
It is a common theme in this play. The author presented the love of husband and wife in the play.
Gender Power
Candida is represented as a strong independent woman. She knows how to tackle hurdles in the path of love. Her decision in the play symbolizes her strong character.
Thoughts Clash
Both Morell and Eugene see love from different perspectives. Eugene appears to favor romanticism, while Morell believes that love is about caring and respect.
Feminism
Women must be free to make choices. They should be independent in all matters. Their decisions need respect and praise in society.
Moral Lessons
This play will teach you these life lessons:
- We should always prefer love over luxuries or materialistic things.
- True intentions must be encouraged.
- Women must be free of choices.
Review
Candida By Bernard Shaw was all about the clash of two men. Morell was Candida’s husband while Eugene confessed his love to her. She was stuck in a hurdle. She preferred Morell because he was the one who needed her the most.
- The play is three acts. The story elaboration made it fascinating to read. I loved this work.
Conclusion: Candida By GB Shaw Summary
In a nutshell, I have discussed the act-wise summary and analysis of Candida By George Bernard Shaw. The play is thought-provoking with fascinating themes of love and women’s empowerment. Candida chose Morell over Eugene, challenging societal expectations of love in the past century.
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