1. George Bernard Shaw (1856—1950)
Early Life and Influences
Born and raised in Ireland, moved to London in 1876 to seek fortune.
Initially tried novel writing but faced discouragement.
Gained recognition as a debater and joined the Fabian Society in 1884, becoming a socialist.
Intellectual Influences
Influenced by Karl Marx, Samuel Butler, Ibsen, and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Impressed by Butler's critique of Darwinian Theory and concept of the Life Force.
Adopted Nietzsche's admiration for intellectual strength and Ibsen's dramatic realism.
Dramatic Career
Used drama to propagate social and moral ideas.
Famous for his wit, intellectual plays, and prefaces that prepped audiences.
Major Works and Themes
Mrs. Warren's Profession: Critique of societal roles in prostitution.
Widower's House: Commentary on property rights abuses.
Man and Superman: Explores the Life Force and gender dynamics.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Exposes fallibility of doctors.
St. Joan: Reached dramatic heights with universal themes and grand emotions.
2. Oscar Wilde (1856-1900)
Brief Career in Drama
Turned to playwriting in the last five years of his life.
Plays became popular for their style and wit.
Critiqued for superficiality and lack of depth in understanding life.
Significant Works
Lady Windermere's Fan (1892)
A Woman of No Importance (1893)
An Ideal Husband (1895)
The Importance of Being Earnest: Successful due to its farcical, detached nature.
3. John Galsworthy (1867-1933)
Naturalistic Approach
Believed in naturalistic art depicting life detached from prejudice.
Plays dealt with social and ethical problems with a focus on realism.
Major Plays
Strife (1909): Critiques the futility of strikes.
Justice (1910): Exposes flaws in prison administration.
The Silver Box: Highlights disparity in laws for rich and poor.
4. Harley Granville-Barker (1877-1946)
Realistic Domestic Tragedy
Focused on social issues and realistic character depiction.
Plays often reflected societal norms and problems of his time.
Notable Works
The Marrying of Anne Leete (1899): Critiques societal conventions.
The Voysey Inheritance (1905): Addresses issues of prostitution.
Waste (1907): Explores tragic themes of sex and personal downfall.
5. John Masefield (1878-1967)
Fantasy and Realism
Blended fantasy with realism and mysticism.
Renowned for The Tragedy of Nan, a domestic tragedy with poetic expression.
Other Works
The Daffodil Fields
Reynard the Fox
Melloney Holtspur: Introduces spirit forces.
6. J. M. Barrie (1860-1937)
Imaginative Fantasy
Renowned for whimsical, childlike fantasy and tender pathos.
Famous for The Admirable Crichton and Peter Pan.
Significant Plays
A Kiss for Cinderella
Dear Brutus: Explores theme of destiny and character.
The Boy David: Barrie's last and most ambitious drama.
7. The Irish Dramatic Revival
Movement Overview
Reaction against the intellectual drama of Shaw and Wilde.
Focused on poetic richness and cultural representation of Irish life.
Key Figures
William Butler Yeats: Leader of the movement, founded the Abbey Theatre.
Lady Gregory: Drew from folk-lore, known for Seven Short Plays.
John Millington Synge: Known for realistic, economical plays like Riders to the Sea.
Notable Works
Juno and the Paycock (1925) by Sean O'Casey: Mixture of tragedy and comedy reflecting Irish life.
The Plough and the Stars: Symbolizes the blend of virtues and vices in Irish society.
The Silver Tassie (1928) and Within the Gates (1933): Satirical plays criticizing societal injustices.
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