• Dr Sarwar Ahmad Wani
• Reshma Bushra Ghouri

This research paper explores George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man as a powerful and enduring satire that deconstructs the romanticized ideals of war and love prevalent in late 19th-century European society. Set against the historical backdrop of the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War, the play serves as a pointed critique of conventional narratives surrounding heroism, nationalism, and social hierarchy. Shaw utilizes comedy not merely for entertainment, but as a vehicle for sharp social commentary, employing wit, irony, and parody to challenge deeply ingrained societal myths and ideological constructs. Through a deliberate subversion of dramatic expectations, Arms and the Man undermine traditional glorifications of warfare by exposing the futility, hypocrisy, and absurdity inherent in militaristic values. At the same time, the play confronts the idealization of romantic love, emphasizing the contrast between illusion and reality. Shaw critiques the tendency to elevate passion and honor above reason and truth, advocating instead for a worldview grounded in realism, critical thought, and emotional authenticity. This paper also examines the play’s satirical strategies, including comedic exaggeration, situational irony, and dialogic sharpness, as tools to dismantle cultural pretensions and false ideals. By situating the work within its socio-political context and drawing connections to ongoing global discussions about war, ideology, and social identity, the study highlights the continued relevance of Shaw’s critique. Ultimately, this play is presented as a timeless reflection on human folly and a compelling argument for the rejection of romanticized heroism in favor of pragmatic and ethical engagement with the world.

Militarism Unmasked, G. B Shaw, Romantic idealism, Patriotism and heroism

"A Hollow Sham: Satirizing Romantic Heroism and the Absurdity of War in G.B Shaw’s Arms and the Man", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.e293-e297, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507444.pdf

"A Hollow Sham: Satirizing Romantic Heroism and the Absurdity of War in G.B Shaw’s Arms and the Man", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. ppe293-e297, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507444.pdf