3 Review(s)

The central plot follows Jack Tanner, a wealthy, intellectual man who is convinced that marriage is a trap and that women are merely interested in securing a mate for reproduction. He is pursued by Ann Whitefield, a young woman who is determined to marry him, despite his reluctance. Over the course of the play, Shaw uses Tanner's interactions with Ann and a group of other characters to explore various ideas, including the nature of the modern man, the role of women in society, and the evolutionary forces that shape human behavior. Tanner believes that his work, a treatise on human progress and the evolution of society, is his greatest legacy, but he finds himself caught in a personal and romantic conflict that challenges his philosophical views.One of the most famous sections of Man and Superman is the "Don Juan in Hell" scene, a fantastical and philosophical dream sequence that presents a conversation between Tanner, Don Juan, and several other characters in a hellish setting. In this sequence, Shaw explores his ideas on human nature, marriage, and the role of the "Life Force"—an evolutionary concept that drives individuals to evolve and procreate, ensuring the survival and progress of humanity. The play presents Tanner as a symbol of the modern man, striving for intellectual progress and freedom, while also confronting the realities of human desires and societal expectations.