In 1894 George Bernard Shaw wrote a play about prostitution called ”Mrs Warren’s Profession”.
In Queen Victoria’s days it was forbidden to stage the play by censorship because of
the shown decay and all the public theatres did not dare it. In 1902 a private theatre company
that often staged forbidden plays in those days – the Stage Society – decided to perform it.1
But there is not only the aspect of prostitution dealt with in Shaw’s play. This essay will
look into the relationship of Mrs Kitty Warren and her daughter Vivie, two totally different
women who try to cope with life. For this reason their different ways of life shall be described
and they shall be characterised. Afterwards their concepts of life will be compared and the
conflict between mother and daughter will be examined. But the essay will not only contrast
the two women but also show the similarities between them.
1 Shaw, George Bernard: Preface of Mrs Warren’s Profession. In: Plays Unpleasant. Harmondsworth:
Penguin.1975. pp.181-182.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The lives of Vivie and Kitty Warren
- Two women - two different characters
- Mother and Daughter – A Complex Relation
- Two women struggling for independence
- Result
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the relationship between Kitty and Vivie Warren, mother and daughter, in George Bernard Shaw's "Mrs. Warren's Profession." It explores the differences in their lives, personalities, and their struggles for independence.
- The contrasting lives and experiences of Kitty and Vivie Warren
- The relationship between mother and daughter and their conflicting views
- The complex and often contradictory nature of feminine roles and expectations in society
- The impact of social class and economic circumstances on individual choices
- The importance of education and independence for women in the late 19th century
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an introduction to the play "Mrs. Warren's Profession" and its historical context. It also outlines the main focus of the essay, which is the relationship between Kitty and Vivie Warren.
- The Lives of Kitty and Vivie Warren: This chapter explores the vastly different backgrounds and experiences of Kitty and Vivie. Kitty's life is marked by poverty, hardship, and eventually, a career in prostitution. Vivie, on the other hand, enjoys a privileged upbringing and a successful education.
- Two Women, Two Different Characters: This chapter delves into the personality traits of Kitty and Vivie. Kitty is presented as a confident and manipulative woman, while Vivie is portrayed as an independent and rational individual. This chapter explores the contrasting ways in which they approach life and relationships.
- Mother and Daughter – A Complex Relation: This chapter examines the complex dynamics of the relationship between Kitty and Vivie. It highlights the lack of communication and understanding between them, stemming from their drastically different lives and perspectives.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores key themes of Victorian morality, social class, gender roles, motherhood, education, and women's independence, all within the context of George Bernard Shaw's "Mrs. Warren's Profession." It examines the contrasting lives and personalities of Kitty and Vivie Warren, exploring the complex nature of their relationship and the challenges they face in navigating their respective social worlds.
- Quote paper
- Jasmin Ostermeyer (Author), 2003, Kitty and Vivie Warren in G.B. Shaws "Mrs. Warren's Profression" - Different Women Struggling for the Same Aim, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25160
