Mevr. Warren's Bedrijf
A play written in the late 19th century. The work revolves around the complex relationship between Mrs. Warren and her daughter Vivie, examining themes of morality, social class, and the nature of work. The initial focus is on Vivie's exploration of her mother's past and the ethical implications of their lives. The opening of the play introduces us to a summer afternoon in the garden of a villa where Vivie Warren is reading when Mr. Praed arrives, looking for her mother. Their exchange reveals Vivie's pragmatic and independent nature as she expresses her disinterest in conventional expectations and socially romantic ideas. When Mrs. Warren arrives with Mr. Crofts, the dynamics between them suggest underlying tensions related to Vivie's upbringing and the contrasts between her ideals and her mother's world. The scene sets the tone for a deep exploration of family, identity, and societal norms that will unfold as the play progresses.
Editions
X-Ray
“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.””
— Bernard Shaw
“All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently, the first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.””
— Bernard Shaw
“There are no secrets better kept than the secrets that everybody guesses.””
— Bernard Shaw
“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.””
— Bernard Shaw
“Everybody has choices, Mother. The poorest girl alive may not be able to choose between being Queen of England or Principal of Newnham; but she can choose between rag-picking and flower-selling, according to her taste. People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.””
— Bernard Shaw
“I am convinced that fine art is the subtlest, the most seductive, the most effective instrument of moral propaganda in the world, excepting only the example of personal conduct; and I waive even this exception in favor of the art of the stage, because it works by exhibiting examples of personal conduct made intelligible and moving to crowds of unobservant, unreflecting people to whom real life means nothing.””
— Bernard Shaw
“But I cant stand saying one thing when everyone knows I mean another. Whats the use in such hypocrisy? If people arrange the world that way for women, theres no good pretending it’s arranged the other way...””
— Bernard Shaw
“Women have to pretend to feel a good deal that they don't feel””
— Bernard Shaw
