NON - AFRICAN DRAMA BERNARD SHAW: Arms and the Man Discuss the theme of heroism in the play.

Answer Details

In George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man, heroism is the central theme, and Shaw treats it satirically, setting the romantic, idealised notion of the heroic soldier against a realistic, common-sense view. The play deflates false heroism and redefines true worth in terms of honesty and practicality rather than reckless bravado.

The romantic idea of heroism is mocked. At the start, Raina and her mother Catherine cherish a glamorous, storybook image of war and the hero. Raina idolises her betrothed, Sergius, as the ideal chivalric warrior, and glorifies his cavalry charge as a magnificent feat of courage.

Bluntschli embodies the anti-heroic realist. The Swiss mercenary, Captain Bluntschli, who climbs into Raina's bedroom fleeing for his life, punctures this fantasy. He carries chocolates instead of cartridges, admits frankly that he is afraid, and declares that the truly experienced soldier looks after his own safety. Shaw's "chocolate cream soldier" is a coward by romantic standards but a sensible, honest man who survives.

Sergius's heroism is exposed as luck and folly. The celebrated charge that made Sergius a hero was, as Bluntschli reveals, a suicidal blunder that succeeded only because the enemy had been supplied with the wrong ammunition and could not fire. Sergius himself grows disillusioned, calling soldiering "the coward's art of attacking mercilessly when you are strong." His "higher love" for Raina proves equally hollow.

Shaw redefines true heroism. Through the contrast, Shaw argues that genuine value lies not in showy gallantry but in honesty, competence, courage to face facts, and practical wisdom. Bluntschli, the professional who tells the truth about war and manages life efficiently, emerges as the real hero of the play, winning Raina in the end.

The satire extends to romantic love. Just as martial heroism is exposed as illusion, so is the affected "higher love" between Raina and Sergius. Both drop their poses, and honest, realistic relationships replace romantic pretence, underscoring Shaw's theme that pretence in war and love alike must yield to truth.

In conclusion, Shaw treats heroism ironically, demolishing the romantic ideal of the fearless soldier and replacing it with a realistic ethic of honesty, competence and self-preservation. True heroism, the play suggests, lies in facing life truthfully, not in empty displays of valour.