views on the points suggested. In what
differing ways do Ibsen's plays affect the club members?
VIII--BERNARD SHAW AND THE IRISH MOVEMENT
1. _Life of Bernard Shaw_--Dublin. London. Beginning of serial
novel-writing. Fabian Society. Help of William Archer. First play:
Widowers' Houses. The Philanderers. Mrs. Warren's Profession (rejected
by the censor).
2. _Shaw's Successful Plays_--Arms and the Man. (Mansfield's rendition.
Musical version: The Chocolate Soldier.) Candida. You Never Can Tell.
The Devil's Disciple. Captain Brassbound's Conversion. Man and Superman.
Showing up of Blanco Posnet. Fanny's First Play.
3. _Bernard Shaw's Qualities_--His mannerisms and style. His attitude
toward social conventions. His socialism. His attitude toward religion.
4. _William Butler Yeats_--Dublin. Encouragement from Oscar Wilde.
Stories and verse. Plays: Land of Heart's Desire; Diarmind and Grania;
Cathleen in Houlihan. Influence of Blake, Shelley, and Maeterlinck.
5. _Synge_--Riders to the Sea. Well of the Saints. Playboy of the
Western World.
BOOKS TO CONSULT--E. E. Hale, Jr.: Dramatists of To-day. G. K.
Chesterton: Bernard Shaw. H. S. Krans; Wm. Butler Yeats and the Irish
School. J. M. Synge: Works (4 vols. Dublin, 1910).
A supplementary paper may be written on the question, Has Shaw a
positive message of any importance, or is he merely a negative critic?
In addition there may be selections from his plays, showing his wit and
clever satire. The amusing comedy, You Never Can Tell, may be read, the
parts being taken by members of the club. Notice also the appearance in
America of the Irish Players under the management of Lady Gregory.
IX--MAETERLINCK
1. _Life_--Early life in Ghent. Paris, 1887. Influence of Villiers de
l'Isle Adam. First publishing and fame through Mirbeau's article in
Figaro. Translation of Ruysbroeck and his influence on Maeterlinck. His
marriage.
2. _Essays_--The Treasure of the Humble. The Life of the Bee. The Buried
Temple. The Double Garden. Death.
3. _Plays_--The Blind. Pelleas and Melisande. Aglavaine and Selysette.
Monna Vanna. Joyzelle. The Blue Bird. Analysis of these plays and
readings from them.
4. _His Place in Literature_--What is the meaning of his mysticism and
his symbolism? What is his position with regard to religion? Is his
optimism philosophically justifiable? Compare Maeterlinck with Bernard
Shaw as to difference in spirit and method.
BOOKS TO CONSULT--Edw
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