Getting Married

"Getting Married" by Bernard Shaw is a play written in the early 20th century, specifically in 1908. The work is a critical exploration of marriage, tackling the institution's complexities and contradictions, as seen through Shaw's often confrontational lens. The preface reveals Shaw’s skepticism about the romanticized views of marriage and highlights the ongoing “revolt against marriage,” questioning its societal implications and the inherent inequalities it perpetuates. At the start of the play, the opening portion presents Shaw's reflections on the perceptions and realities surrounding marriage. He discusses the misguided beliefs people hold about marriage, the pressures it places on individuals, particularly women, and the societal norms that complicate personal relationships. Shaw highlights the idea that many individuals enter into marriages not out of genuine connection but rather due to societal expectations and economic necessity. He portrays marriage as a legal and social contract that can often foster hypocrisy and limit personal freedom, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its dynamics throughout the play.