Arms and the Man

Arms and the Man

Challenging Romantic Ideals: A Satirical Exploration of War and Society in Shaw's Classic Comedy PlayBy Bernard Shaw
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length2h 20m

About this audiobook

In "Arms and the Man," Bernard Shaw masterfully intertwines comedy and social critique to explore the absurdity of war, the romantic ideals of heroism, and the stark realities faced by soldiers. Set against the backdrop of the Balkan Wars, this play employs wit and sharp dialogue to deconstruct the notions of gallant warriors and the glorification of military conflict. Utilizing character-driven narratives, Shaw contrasts the naïve beliefs of his aristocratic characters with the practicality of the common soldier, all while employing his signature blend of irony and humor to challenge societal conventions and provoke thoughtful consideration of pacifism and realism in the face of violence. Bernard Shaw, an influential playwright and critic, was a prominent figure in the development of modern drama. Born in 1856 in Dublin, he became an ardent advocate for social reforms and famously held anti-war views. These experiences fueled his writing, particularly manifesting in his desire to dismantle romanticized portrayals of warfare and highlight the human cost associated with it, as seen vividly in this play. Shaw's keen insight into socio-political issues reflects his life experiences and extensive reading in literature and philosophy. "Arms and the Man" is a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay of humor and serious thematic exploration surrounding war. Shaw's deft handling of character and dialogue offers readers not just entertainment but also a profound critique of societal norms. This play is essential for both casual readers and students of drama, as it challenges the perceptions of honor and valor while inviting reflection on the real consequences of conflict.

Audiobook details

GenreLiterary Classics
Length2 hrs 20 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 19, 2019
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
4ACT II
2INTRODUCTION
5ACT III
3ARMS AND THE MAN

More from Bernard Shaw

MARK TWAIN: 12 Novels, 195 Short Stories, Autobiography, 10 Travel Books, 160+ Essays & Speeches (Illustrated)
MARK TWAIN: 12 Novels, 195 Short Stories, Autobiography, 10 Travel Books, 160+ Essays & Speeches (Illustrated)Mark Twain416h 24m5 (2)$2 · $0.00
The Great Gatsby: Original 1925 Edition (An F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic Novel
The Great Gatsby: Original 1925 Edition (An F. Scott Fitzgerald Classic NovelFrancis Scott Fitzgerald4h 45m$18 · $0.00
The Complete Works of Tolstoy
The Complete Works of TolstoyLeo Tolstoy412h 44m$1 · $0.00
Louisa May Alcott: 16 Novels in One Volume (Illustrated Edition)
Louisa May Alcott: 16 Novels in One Volume (Illustrated Edition)Louisa May Alcott141h 35m$2 · $0.00
The Fire Next Time
The Fire Next TimeJames Baldwin2h 25m$15
The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde
The Complete Works of Oscar WildeOscar Wilde80h 38m$1 · $0.00
The Complete Books of F. Scott Fitzgerald (all his 5 novels + all 4 short story collections published during his lifetime)
The Complete Books of F. Scott Fitzgerald (all his 5 novels + all 4 short story collections published during his lifetime)F. Scott Fitzgerald86h 48m$2 · $0.00
The Count of Monte Cristo (With Original Illustrations)
The Count of Monte Cristo (With Original Illustrations)Alexandre Dumas54h 7m$1 · $0.00
Braving the Truth
Braving the TruthRachel Held Evans11h 31m$29 · $0.00
Richard Wagamese Selected
Richard Wagamese SelectedRichard Wagamese3h 14m$15
Shōgun, Part One
Shōgun, Part OneJames Clavell24h 19m$35
Henry V (The Play, Historical Background and Analysis of the Character in the Play)
Henry V (The Play, Historical Background and Analysis of the Character in the Play)William Shakespeare, William Hazlitt8h 40m$1 · $0.00
Pathways to Light
Pathways to LightPrakash Amte7h 6m$8
The North American Indian (Illustrated Edition)
The North American Indian (Illustrated Edition)Edward S. Curtis, Frederick Webb Hodge6h$2 · $0.00
The Holy Bible
The Holy BibleKing James99h 50m$12 · $0.00
The Complete Novels of the Brontë Sisters (8 Novels: Jane Eyre, Shirley, Villette, The Professor, Emma, Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall)
The Complete Novels of the Brontë Sisters (8 Novels: Jane Eyre, Shirley, Villette, The Professor, Emma, Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall)Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë, Anne Brontë118h 9m$2 · $0.00
The Greatest Works of Jules Verne
The Greatest Works of Jules VerneJules Verne247h 39m$2 · $0.00
The Complete Works of G. K. Chesterton
The Complete Works of G. K. ChestertonG. K. Chesterton421h 4m$2 · $0.00
Time Regained
Time RegainedMarcel Proust15h 54m$2 · $0.00
The Brontë Sisters Collection
The Brontë Sisters CollectionEmily Brontë, Anne Brontë, Charlotte Brontë39h 58m$12 · $0.00

You may also like