Candida, written by George Bernard Shaw in 1894, is a domestic comedy that explores themes of love, marriage, and the dynamics of power within relationships. The play is part of Shaw’s “Plays Pleasant” collection and stands out for its intellectual dialogue and subtle social commentary.
The story centers around Candida, the intelligent and strong-willed wife of Reverend James Morell, a popular and self-assured Christian Socialist clergyman. Their comfortable domestic life is disrupted by the arrival of Eugene Marchbanks, an idealistic young poet who professes his love for Candida. Eugene believes that Morell does not truly appreciate Candida and that she deserves a more romantic and spiritual kind of love.
The central conflict arises when Candida is forced to choose between the security and stability offered by her husband and the passionate adoration of the youthful poet. However, in a characteristically Shavian twist, Candida reveals her own perspective, asserting her agency and intelligence in deciding not between two men, but in choosing the weaker of the two to protect and nurture.
Shaw subverts the typical love triangle by highlighting the power and autonomy of the woman at its center. Rather than portraying Candida as a passive object of affection, Shaw presents her as the emotional and moral anchor of the household. The play challenges Victorian ideals of femininity and marriage, reinforcing Shaw’s belief in rational thought, gender equality, and social critique.
With its witty dialogue and probing character dynamics, Candida remains a compelling examination of love, gender roles, and human motivation.
