British Literature of Edwardian Era

The reign of King Edward VII falls within the official timeframe of 1901-1914 and is known as the Edwardian Period.  The Edwardian literary period was heavily influenced by the Victorian era. This time frame is often expanded to include the outbreak of the First World War. In this period, there were new concepts and new beginnings. Although significantly more social and political in nature, Edwardian literature followed this pattern. They sparked a cultural writing movement that was vibrant and passionate for decades. During this time, writers experimented with traditional forms such as satire, narrative poetry, and ballads, and enjoyed the possibilities of realism. There are lots of literary author who significantly inluenced the era, for example is E.M. Forester who explored the theme inequality of class in his writing. Besides that, there were also G.K Chesterton, A.A Milne, Rudyard Kipling, George Bernard Shaw, and many more.

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Well, in this article we will discuss about George Bernard Shaw's work. First of all, George Bernard Shaw (26 July 1856-2 November 1950), known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw. He wa an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. From the 1880s until his death and even after, he had a significant impact on Western politics, theater, and society. He wrote more than sixty plays, including notable works such as Man and Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1912) and Saint Joan (1923). Shaw rose to prominence as one of his generation's top dramatists, combining historical allegory and modern satire in his repertoire. He was granted the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

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Now, let's talk about one of his notable work, Pygmalion (1912), is a satirical play that investigates issues of class, identity, and social mobility. The plot centers around Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, who takes on the challenges of transforming Eliz Doolittle, a cockney flower girl, into a refined lady. Pygmalion's setting, which captures the customs and expectations of the day, is essential. Shaw criticizes the dominant views of class divisions and the constraints imposed by accent and language through the characters' interactions. The suffragette movement and the changing roles of women in society are just two of the larger societal themes of the day that are addressed in the play.

Shaw's play challenges traditional notions of class and gender roles, forcing viewers to reconsider how language and society expectations shape personal identity. Pygmalion is still important now because it explores societal concerns that extend beyond the boundaries of its initial setting. The drama has been the subject of numerous adaptations, most famously the musical My Fair Lady, which serves as more evidence of its enduring appeal and influence on popular culture. The Pygmalion film, directed by Anthony Asquith in 1938, is recognized as the best and most traditional cinematic version of the play.

This play had a significant impact on Edwardian literature and was a crucial figure in the time. A Greek tale about a sculptor who fell in love with his own creations captivated a lot of writers, poets, and playwrights. The play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw is the most well-known illustration of this effect.