Edwardian Era Synthesis- Asher, Period 3, Team 8

The Edwardian Era Synthesis- Asher, Period 3, Team 8

Of all the controversial topics associated with the Edwardian Era, war is among the most intriguing. the topic of war, and whether it is justified, was debated not only from person to person, but from within this era's literature, current political events, and style.

George Bernard Shaw is known as a man whose plays, stories, and novels discuss topics which were very controversial (especially during his time period), while adding a perfect amount of relativity and humor. One topic he was particularly passionate about was violence, and its place in the fabric of society. In many of his works, such as Arms and the Man, he uses art and humor to highlight man's hypocrisy, and to reveal the futility of violence. this play clearly articulates Shaw's opinion that man justifies violence by creating political inspirations -- or capitalizing on international (or domestic) hostility -- as a reason to fight. His brilliant work attempts to persuade the audience of the fact that man has always longed to fulfill his immoral instincts through battle, but only recently has figured how to fool himself into believing it moral (through war). Shaw's characters in Arms and the Man never come outright and say "war is never justified!" Shaw simply presents the argument of man's futility through character dialogue and plot development, and leaves it open to the viewer to decide whether he is correct. Shaw was a somewhat liberal man for his time, and a front-runner in a n important Edwardian movement which forced those willing to listen, to question whether there is really any justification for destroying human life. Following one of the first performances of Arms and the Man, Shaw was beckoned onstage for a curtain call, and was booed by a single audience member. Upon hearing the man booing, Shaw replied, "My dear fellow, I quite agree with you, but what are we two against so many?" This story illustrates the fact that many believed there was little justification for war, and its place in modern society held to much power. The man booing from his seat helps juxtapose Shaw's position by symbolizing the traditional viewpoint, held by many, of war being justified.

Moving away from the artistic side of the Edwardian question of the justification of war, the political events occurring around this time period raised many points of discussion on the topic. The United States began hitting its strides in this era, with the election of Teddy Roosevelt as president. Roosevelt is known as a war-hero and an aggressor. He supported Panama's revolt against Columbia, although it turned out he had other investments in that particular conflict besides freedom of those residing in Panama (the construction of the Panama Canal to help in American trade across the Atlantic). As the U.S. rose in power, so did its military actions overseas. Several conflicts, such as the support of Panama, became tainted with ulterior motives which the U.S. fulfilled while helping "preserve freedom". While much progress and freedom came as a result of these efforts, it is hard to gauge whether it outweighed the suffering and elitism which accompanied it.

The Edwardian Era, and all of its facets, reflect a philosophical undertaking to prove whether violence is ever just. Men and women such as Shaw were inspired by current events to discuss this topic aloud through the use of art and literature. These artists left their mark on history by tastefully presenting their opinions to the world, and hoping their audiences had the sense to listen. Man's struggle is with his own intentions. Is war simply an outlet for humanity's frustration and hatred? Or is it a justified response to immorality and wickedness? We are all the audience, and we must decide for ourselves.