Posted on 05/10/2005 10:30:32 AM PDT by Jo Nuvark
Vanity: Since I own a small theatre, it was necessary to read "Man and Superman" by George Bernard Shaw for a guest company. I came to the conclusion that the Ana character represents a feminine Don Juan. For this, I was soundly rebuked by my lettered friend. Of course I am not a philosopher, academic or intellectual, which gives me a clear advantage in reasoning.
Ana was clever, mysterious, manipulative and a master at keeping men interested, in love and off balance. Even her mother was bewitched. She got her way without insulting a man. In fact, men willingly succummed to her because the extreme contract of her femininity made them feel extremely masculine. (I expect to be stuffed for that one, but that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.) Thus Shaw, unwittingly makes the case for the power women have in their FEMINITY.
I have found no other reference to this in discussions. However, in the EPISTLE DEDICATORY Shaw suggests the character in Ibsen's "A Doll's House" as a Dona Juana.
The only time Jack Tanner was ever Don Juan was in his dreams... (Don Juan In Hell Act III).
Knowing that Shaw was a Socialist, made me a cautious reader. To be fair, I found the play entertaining, but much too long. I did not accept his interpretation of hell (of course), but was glad it was presented as a fantastic dream. The idea of "thinking" yourself into heaven is screwy... in fact it reminded me of C.S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters". But that's another discussion.
I await your opinions. Please be gentle. The question: Did Shaw intend the character Ana to represent Don Juan?
"Do not do unto others as you would them do unto you. They might not have the same taste." -Revolutionist's Handbook
Something's not right there...
Good analogy on your part though.
I haven't read Shaw's/Tanner's handbook. It wasn't in the version I read. I am aware of the attributed quote. It's funny. Shaw was funny. But perhaps his humor was more of a sting.
Please elaborate... Do you mean that somethings not right about the "do unto others" quote or my analysis?
Thx
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