Reversal of Male Hegemony in G. B. Shaw's Candida

Abstract

This thesis entitled Reversal of Male Hegemony in George Bernard Shaw's Candidademonstrates the power of a female character.Candida(1894) explores the female 'space' within domesticity and proves it as vital and decisive. Candida, a courageous and bold woman reverses the prevailing male conception of 'superiority' and shows the universal dependence of male upon female. Morell, a Christian scholar husband to Candida remains submissive to his wife and accepts what she says. Nothing important happens in the play except a woman's free choice. It is Candida who chooses the weaker to support him who thinks himself a strong man. Due to life force, Candida doesn't violate the relation rather redefine her role. Candida stands as a role model of female empowerment. It is a redefinition of women's role. I have tried to explore the drama from a feminist perspective and will dismantle the male's power. At last, Candida reflects the female's subjectivity in relation with life force due to which they are obliged to revolt without violating the convention. It is spirit of Shaw's drama