Mrs. Warren's Profession

Definition

Mrs. Warren's Profession is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893, which centers on the moral dilemmas surrounding the profession of prostitution and the societal implications of women's economic independence. The play explores themes such as class struggle, the consequences of capitalism, and the complexities of human relationships, making it a significant work in modernist drama that challenges Victorian values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play was first performed in 1902 after being banned for several years due to its controversial themes regarding sexuality and morality.
2. Shaw uses the character of Mrs. Warren to illustrate the limited choices available to women in a patriarchal society and how economic necessity drives individuals into morally ambiguous situations.
3. The conflict between Mrs. Warren and her daughter, Vivie, highlights generational differences in attitudes towards work and morality, showcasing Vivie's struggle to reconcile her mother's choices with her own values.
4. The play is notable for its strong feminist perspective, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women's rights and independence.
5. Shaw's use of wit and humor throughout the play contrasts with its serious themes, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking for audiences.

Review Questions

• How does Shaw portray the complexities of women's economic independence through the character of Mrs. Warren?
  • In 'Mrs. Warren's Profession,' Shaw portrays women's economic independence as both a necessity and a moral dilemma. Mrs. Warren's choices reflect the harsh realities that women face in a patriarchal society where their options are limited. Through her backstory as a former prostitute who established a successful business, Shaw illustrates how economic pressures can lead women to make difficult decisions that challenge societal norms, prompting audiences to reconsider their views on morality and survival.
• Analyze the relationship between Mrs. Warren and her daughter Vivie, focusing on how their differing perspectives reflect broader societal issues.
  • The relationship between Mrs. Warren and Vivie serves as a microcosm of the broader societal conflicts regarding gender roles and economic survival. While Mrs. Warren embraces her past choices as a means to achieve financial stability, Vivie is initially repulsed by her mother's profession, valuing personal integrity over economic gain. Their conflict reveals generational tensions about work ethics and the pursuit of independence, ultimately prompting discussions about the societal structures that restrict women's choices.
• Evaluate the impact of Shaw's use of humor in addressing serious themes within 'Mrs. Warren's Profession' and its significance in modernist drama.
  • Shaw's use of humor in 'Mrs. Warren's Profession' serves to engage audiences with serious themes surrounding sexuality, morality, and capitalism without alienating them. By blending wit with poignant social critique, Shaw encourages audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about societal norms while still being entertained. This approach is significant in modernist drama as it reflects a shift towards more complex characterizations and thematic explorations, allowing for a nuanced discussion of issues that were often taboo at the time.

Related terms

Prostitution: The act of engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money, which is central to the narrative of the play and serves as a critique of societal norms.

Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private ownership and free markets, which is critiqued in the play for its role in exploiting individuals, particularly women.

Social Critique: The practice of critiquing society and its institutions, which Shaw employs to highlight injustices and provoke thought about gender roles and economic disparity.