There are Two Themes in "Arms and the Man"- "War and Love"- How does Shaw Treat Theme of War in the Play?

In "Arms and the Man", Shaw's purpose is to demolish romantic idealism about war and love. The play attacks the romance of war as well as the romance of love.

Give Your Impression of the Character of Sergius in “Arms and the Man”.

Sergius is romantic and sentimental in his attitude to life. By his pose and romantic attitude he produces an impression wherever he goes. Like the romantic poet Byron, the Byronic hero Sergius is selfconscious, full of absurdly romantic ideas, self-critical and moody.

Give an Estimate of the Character of Nicola in “Arms and the Man”.

Nicola is a servant of the Major Petkoffs. Through him Shaw satirizes the bad system of master and servant. Nicola serves as a contrast to Louka, the maid-servant of the Petkoffs house. Nicola has the soul of a servant. But Louka has a natural dignity and a lofty sense of equality with her employers. Shaw has described Nicola as "a middle aged man of cool temperament and low but clear and keen intelligence". Nicola is loyal, obedient and faithful. He has not the revolutionary zeal of Louka. He is a man of practical wisdom. He is never, like Louka, defiant to his master and mistress. He is always humble in his dealings with them. As a servant he is very capable and successful. Bluntschli rightly remarks: "Nicola is the ablest man I've met in Bulgaria."

Write a Note on the Character of Major Petkoff in ''Arms and the Man''.

Major Petkoff is the father of Raina. The war with the Serbs has made him an important figure in his place. He is a hero satirized by Shaw as an aristocrat who has won a high military glory without having any extraordinary qualities as a fighter.

Sketch the Character of Raina in ''Arms and the Man''.

Raina in the heroine of the play "Arms and the man". She is a beautiful young lady of romantic temperament. She is polite and gentle in her manners. She is witty, lively and cheerful in her conversation. Shaw illustrates in her his main theme of the play - the conflict between Romance and Reality and the ultimate victory of Reality over Romance.