Summary:
Man and Superman is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1903. It is a philosophical comedy that explores themes of love, marriage, social expectations, and the concept of the “Superman,” inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche’s ideas. The play follows John Tanner, a radical thinker and confirmed bachelor, who is pursued by Ann Whitefield, a determined woman who aims to marry him despite his reluctance.
The play challenges traditional gender roles, portraying Ann as the true dominant force in romantic relationships, while Tanner represents intellectual resistance to societal norms. One of the most famous sections of the play is “Don Juan in Hell,” a dream sequence where philosophical debates take place about morality, free will, and human purpose.
Through satire and wit, Shaw critiques societal institutions like marriage and conventional morality, proposing that women drive human evolution by selecting strong, capable partners.
MCQs:
- Who wrote Man and Superman?
A) Oscar Wilde
B) George Bernard Shaw
C) William Shakespeare
D) Henrik Ibsen
Answer: B) George Bernard Shaw - What is the central theme of Man and Superman?
A) The nature of power
B) The philosophy of love and marriage
C) The decline of civilization
D) The struggle between good and evil
Answer: B) The philosophy of love and marriage - Who is the main protagonist of the play?
A) Ann Whitefield
B) John Tanner
C) Don Juan
D) Henry Straker
Answer: B) John Tanner
Man and Superman - What concept influences the title of the play?
A) Aristotle’s ethics
B) Nietzsche’s Übermensch (Superman)
C) Plato’s theory of forms
D) Darwin’s theory of evolution
Answer: B) Nietzsche’s Übermensch (Superman) - What is Ann Whitefield’s main goal in the play?
A) To become a famous writer
B) To escape society’s expectations
C) To marry John Tanner
D) To join a convent
Answer: C) To marry John Tanner - What is the significance of the “Don Juan in Hell” sequence?
A) It is a dream sequence that debates morality and human purpose
B) It is a battle scene that symbolizes conflict
C) It represents John Tanner’s childhood memories
D) It serves as a prophecy about the future
Answer: A) It is a dream sequence that debates morality and human purpose - How does Shaw challenge traditional gender roles in Man and Superman?
A) By portraying men as more emotional than women
B) By showing women as the true decision-makers in relationships
C) By making the female characters silent
D) By emphasizing male dominance
Answer: B) By showing women as the true decision-makers in relationships - Who is Henry Straker in the play?
A) A philosopher
B) John Tanner’s chauffeur and social commentator
C) Ann’s father
D) A priest
Answer: B) John Tanner’s chauffeur and social commentator - What literary device is commonly used in Man and Superman?
A) Tragedy
B) Satire
C) Horror
D) Epic poetry
Answer: B) Satire - What does Shaw critique the most in Man and Superman?
A) The role of marriage in society
B) The importance of wealth
C) The power of monarchy
D) The decline of religion
Answer: A) The role of marriage in society
| Question | Answer |
| Play Name | Man and Superman |
| Author | George Bernard Shaw |
| Year Published | 1903 |
| Main Themes | Love, marriage, social expectations, evolution, Nietzschean philosophy |
| Literary Devices | Satire, irony, philosophical debate |
| Protagonist | John Tanner |
| Famous Scene | “Don Juan in Hell” |
| Message | Women drive evolution by selecting strong partners; marriage is a social construct that benefits women more than men |