Summary:
Mrs. Warren’s Profession is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893. The play explores themes of poverty, morality, hypocrisy, and women’s independence. It tells the story of Vivie Warren, a well-educated and independent young woman, and her mother, Mrs. Kitty Warren, a former prostitute who became wealthy by running brothels.
Vivie, who has grown up without knowing the truth about her mother’s past, is shocked when she learns how Mrs. Warren made her fortune. The play highlights the limited opportunities available to women in Victorian society and criticizes the moral hypocrisy of a society that condemns prostitution while benefiting from it. Vivie ultimately rejects her mother’s money and chooses to be financially independent, symbolizing a new generation of women seeking self-respect and autonomy.
The play was controversial because it openly discussed prostitution and social injustice, making it one of Shaw’s most provocative works.
MCQs:
- Who wrote Mrs. Warren’s Profession?
A) Oscar Wilde
B) George Bernard Shaw
C) Henrik Ibsen
D) Charles Dickens
Answer: B) George Bernard Shaw - In which year was Mrs. Warren’s Profession written?
A) 1885
B) 1890
C) 1893
D) 1901
Answer: C) 1893 - What is the main theme of the play?
A) Love and romance
B) Women’s struggles and social hypocrisy
C) War and politics
D) The importance of family traditions
Answer: B) Women’s struggles and social hypocrisy - What is Vivie Warren’s personality like?
A) Weak and dependent
B) Naïve and innocent
C) Intelligent and independent
D) Carefree and irresponsible
Answer: C) Intelligent and independent - How does Vivie react when she learns the truth about her mother?
A) She forgives her and accepts her money
B) She is angry but continues to support her
C) She rejects her mother’s wealth and chooses independence
D) She helps her mother run the business
Answer: C) She rejects her mother’s wealth and chooses independence - What is Mrs. Warren’s profession?
A) A school teacher
B) A businesswoman who runs brothels
C) A nurse
D) A shopkeeper
Answer: B) A businesswoman who runs brothels - Why does Mrs. Warren justify her profession?
A) She says it was the only way to escape poverty
B) She enjoys the business
C) She was forced into it by her family
D) She believes it is morally right
Answer: A) She says it was the only way to escape poverty - What does the play criticize the most?
A) The British legal system
B) The hypocrisy of Victorian morality
C) The role of religion in society
D) The power of the monarchy
Answer: B) The hypocrisy of Victorian morality - What does Vivie decide to do at the end of the play?
A) Marry a wealthy man
B) Accept her mother’s money
C) Leave her mother and live independently
D) Work in her mother’s business
Answer: C) Leave her mother and live independently - Why was Mrs. Warren’s Profession controversial?
A) It promoted violence
B) It openly discussed prostitution and criticized social norms
C) It was a political propaganda piece
D) It supported monarchy
Answer: B) It openly discussed prostitution and criticized social norms
Question | Answer |
Play Name | Mrs. Warren’s Profession |
Author | George Bernard Shaw |
Year Written | 1893 |
Main Themes | Social hypocrisy, women’s struggles, morality, independence |
Literary Devices | Satire, realism, irony |
Protagonist | Vivie Warren |
Mrs. Warren’s Business | Running brothels |
Vivie’s Decision | Rejects her mother’s wealth and chooses independence |
Message | Women’s lack of opportunities forces them into difficult choices, and society is hypocritical about morality |