JBSI: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia
Vol. 5 No. 02 (2025): Artikel Riset Periode November 2025

The Dynamics of Change in George Bernard Shaw’s Drama: A Study of Saint Joan, Pygmalion, and Arms and the Man

Al-Mudhafar, Zayed Hussein Saleh (Unknown)
Maulina, Intan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study aims to examine how George Bernard Shaw dramatizes the idea of change as both a moral and intellectual necessity for human and social progress. It seeks to analyze how Shaw's conception of transformation functions as an ethical, social, and artistic principle across three of his major plays: (Saint Joan, 1923), (Pygmalion, 1913), and (Arms and the Man, 1894). This study explores George Bernard Shaw’s dramatic representation of change as a dynamic social, moral, and intellectual process across these influential plays. Shaw’s theatre functions as a critique of stagnation, whether political, religious, or personal and as a call for continuous re-evaluation of inherited ideas. By dramatizing moments of transition within individuals and societies, Shaw transforms the stage into a forum for intellectual evolution. This paper argues that Shaw conceives of change not as an abstract ideal but as a moral imperative, one that disrupts complacency, exposes hypocrisy, and fosters authentic progress. Using a combination of textual analysis, New Historicist and socio-critical frameworks, the research demonstrates that Shaw’s characters Joan of Arc, Eliza Doolittle, and Captain Bluntschli embody catalysts of transformation who question dogma and reveal the tension between reality and illusion. Through their struggles, Shaw redefines heroism as intellectual courage and moral adaptability rather than mere physical valour or social conformity. The study concludes that Shaw’s theatre remains profoundly relevant to modern audiences for its vision of change as both a disruptive and regenerative force, essential for the renewal of human consciousness and social order.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jbsi

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Library & Information Science Social Sciences

Description

JBSI merupakan jurnal akses terbuka nasional yang meliputi hasil kajian ilmiah interdisipliner, orisinal dan diulas oleh mitra bestari yang kompeten di bidangnya. Lingkup jurnal ini meliputi bidang bahasa, sastra dan budaya Indonesia baik teori dan praktek dengan bidang ilmu bahasa Indonesia yaitu ...