The paper is about the concept of the New Woman in Bernhard Shaw's "Mrs Warren's Profession". The central conflict of "Mrs Warren’s Profession" is seemingly one of opposition. The two women in the play are mother and daughter and they live their lives very differently. Mrs Warren, the mother, is a prostitute and the owner of at least one brothel and her daughter Vivie appears to be the perfect image of the new woman, an ideal of womanhood which became popular at the end of the 19th century. The intention of this essay is to prove that both Vivie Warren and her mother are new women in their own right and that even this new womanhood will not free them entirely of the oppression of man.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Vivie Warren as the New Woman
- 2.1 Education
- 2.2 Marriage
- 2.3 Gender Expectations
- 3. Mrs Warren as the New Woman
- 3.1 Prostitution
- 3.2 Marriage
- 3.3 Financial Independence
- 4. There is no escaping the patriarchy.
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to demonstrate that both Vivie and Mrs. Warren, despite their contrasting lifestyles, represent variations of the "New Woman" archetype emerging at the end of the 19th century. It explores how both characters challenge societal norms and attempt to navigate patriarchal oppression, highlighting the limitations of even this "new womanhood" in achieving complete liberation.
- The portrayal of the "New Woman" in late 19th-century British society.
- Contrasting paths to independence for women: education vs. financial autonomy through unconventional means.
- The persistent influence of patriarchy on women's lives, regardless of their attempts at liberation.
- The complex mother-daughter relationship as a microcosm of societal conflicts.
- The use of dramatic irony and character contrast to explore social issues.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central conflict of Shaw's *Mrs. Warren's Profession* as the contrasting lives of mother and daughter, Mrs. Warren (a prostitute) and Vivie (an embodiment of the "New Woman"). It highlights the strained relationship between them and introduces the essay's central argument: both women, despite their differences, exemplify the "New Woman" archetype, albeit in distinct ways, and their attempts to transcend patriarchal constraints. The chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of their respective journeys toward independence.
2. Vivie Warren as the New Woman: This chapter delves into Vivie Warren's character as a representation of the "New Woman." It provides background on the historical context of the "New Woman" in British society – educated, financially independent, and challenging traditional gender roles. Vivie's character is analyzed through the lens of her education, her approach to marriage, and her defiance of conventional gender expectations. The chapter emphasizes how Vivie's education, in particular, empowers her and sets her apart from the men around her, who are often intimidated by her intelligence and ambition. Shaw's use of stage directions to highlight Vivie's strong and confident personality is also discussed.
3. Mrs Warren as the New Woman: This chapter examines Mrs. Warren's life and choices as another interpretation of the "New Woman" archetype. Unlike Vivie, Mrs. Warren achieves financial independence through prostitution. The chapter explores the complexities of her situation, analyzing her experiences within the context of marriage, financial independence, and the morally ambiguous choices she made to survive and thrive in a patriarchal society. This chapter highlights how Mrs. Warren's path to freedom, though unconventional and morally complex, still represents a rebellion against societal constraints on women.
4. There is no escaping the patriarchy: This chapter will likely analyze how despite the attempts of both Vivie and Mrs. Warren to achieve independence and overcome patriarchal structures, they ultimately remain constrained by the pervasive power of the patriarchy. This chapter will likely synthesize the previous chapters to demonstrate the limitations of their respective strategies for achieving freedom and the enduring influence of societal structures in shaping their lives.
Keywords
New Woman, Mrs. Warren's Profession, George Bernard Shaw, Victorian Era, Patriarchy, Gender Roles, Education, Financial Independence, Prostitution, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Social Commentary.
Mrs. Warren's Profession: A Comprehensive Language Preview - FAQ
What is this document?
This is a language preview providing a structured overview of an academic analysis of George Bernard Shaw's play, Mrs. Warren's Profession. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in this analysis of Mrs. Warren's Profession?
The analysis focuses on the portrayal of the "New Woman" archetype in late 19th-century British society, contrasting the paths to independence taken by Vivie and Mrs. Warren. It examines the persistent influence of patriarchy, the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, and the use of dramatic irony in Shaw's play.
Who are the main characters analyzed, and how are they portrayed?
The analysis centers on Vivie Warren, representing a more traditionally "New Woman" through education and intellectual pursuits, and Mrs. Warren, whose path to independence involves prostitution. Both are analyzed as variations of the "New Woman" archetype, each facing limitations imposed by the patriarchal society.
What are the different paths to independence explored in the analysis?
The analysis contrasts two paths to independence: Vivie's pursuit of education and intellectual autonomy, and Mrs. Warren's unconventional route through financial independence achieved through prostitution. The analysis explores the limitations and challenges associated with both approaches within the context of the prevailing patriarchal system.
How does the analysis address the role of patriarchy?
The analysis emphasizes the pervasive influence of patriarchy on the lives of both Vivie and Mrs. Warren, demonstrating how even attempts at liberation are ultimately constrained by societal structures and expectations.
What is the significance of the mother-daughter relationship in the analysis?
The complex mother-daughter relationship between Vivie and Mrs. Warren serves as a microcosm reflecting larger societal conflicts and the generational impact of patriarchal oppression and the struggle for women's independence.
What literary techniques are discussed in the analysis?
The analysis examines Shaw's use of dramatic irony and character contrast to effectively explore the social issues presented in the play.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions of the analysis?
The analysis likely concludes that while both Vivie and Mrs. Warren embody aspects of the "New Woman," their attempts at achieving complete liberation are ultimately limited by the enduring power of patriarchy.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include: New Woman, Mrs. Warren's Profession, George Bernard Shaw, Victorian Era, Patriarchy, Gender Roles, Education, Financial Independence, Prostitution, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Social Commentary.
- Quote paper
- Léonie Andelfinger (Author), 2017, The concept of the New Woman in Bernhard Shaw's "Mrs Warren's Profession", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/499065
