Mrs Warren's Profession Analysis

The True Power Of Women In Mrs. Warren’s Profession by George Bernard Shaw, the characters presented in the play each depict a Victorian stereotype relative to their gender role during this time period. During the Victorian era, males were privileged and could do whatever they pleased in order to live the life they dreamed of. “The man’s power is active, progressive, and defensive. He is eminently the doer, the creator, the discoverer, the defender. His intellect if for speculation and invention; his energy for adventure, for war, and for conquest” (Ruskin 1615). The male characters presented in Mrs. Warren’s Profession each show an attribute from this quote taken from Of Queens’ Garden by John Ruskin. Now comparing to the woman’s role during …show more content…
Majority of the male characters in Mrs. Warren’s Profession expressed overwhelming confidence and arrogance about either owning property, having money, and/or education. Besides having at least one of those many luxuries, the overall privilege to have these available to them because they are male is a stereotype itself. What these men serve in the play is the overall stereotype that they have the authority to have such advantages in their lives because they are born male. Many women in the Victorian era strive to be self-sufficient and successful. Just like Vivie, they wish to be able to not succumb to providing acts of entertainment that go against their morals, and be paid the money that came from the man of power. The male characters such as Sir George Crofts, Frank Gardner, and even Praed, take advantage of their status and subtlety demonstrate the personalities and personas in society that drove their character. Indeed, they had more rights than women did and they took great pride in their achievements, like any other male during the Victorian era. It is clear to say, it became hypocritical of them to actively participate in prostitution and be allowed to have affairs, yet criticize the women who took part of it because it was their profession. Unlike the men, the women did not have the choice to go to …show more content…
Warren and Vivie, have attitudes that can be considered snobby or rude, towards the male characters. The both of them have their underlying objectives which pushes the character to act the way they do; They both do not want to rely on a man for their achievements. As Crofts preaches to Vivie, “And do you expect me to turn my back on 35 per cent when all the rest are pocketing what they can, like sensible men? No such fool! If youre going to pick and choose your acquaintances on moral principles, youd better clear out of this country, unless you want to cut yourself out of all decent society” (Shaw 1816). This quote again shows the readers how Crofts is aware of how he gains his success and income, and takes deep pride in it. Throughout the whole play, Mrs. Warren’s profession does not get completely revealed until the end of the story, showing the lack of pride Mrs. Warren has with her profession. Although, she continues to be something morally unacceptable, because it adds to her own personal success and independence. Of course, Vivie is appalled by her mother’s choices and wishes to earn her achievement in a different way, leading to the breaking point of their relationship and eventually bringing the two female character onto separate paths. Each female character depicts the two contrasting categories the women in society will fall underneath: working in a field against their morals or being part of a profession that they can take pride