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Mrs. Warren's Profession

by George Bernard Shaw

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Vivie Warren

Vivie Warren, at twenty-two, embodies independence, confidence, and self-possession. Having spent most of her life in boarding schools, she is largely detached from her mother, Mrs. Kitty Warren, and ignorant of her family's business. An exceptional student, Vivie graduated with honors from Cambridge and aspires to break societal norms by pursuing a career as an actuarial accountant, an ambition uncommon among women of her time. Her dedication to her career is evident as she rents a cottage in Haslemere to study law. Known for her assertiveness, Frank Gardner describes her as "hard as nails," a testament to her unwavering nature. Vivie is forthright, demands respect, and refuses to conform to traditional gender roles.

Vivie's initial empathy towards her mother's past struggles fades when she learns of her ongoing involvement in the prostitution business. This revelation leads to a moral impasse between them, culminating in Vivie's decision to part ways with her mother and reject the role of a dutiful daughter. Her interactions with Frank Gardner, her would-be suitor, further illustrate her discernment; recognizing his superficial charm and lack of seriousness, she distances herself. Ultimately, Vivie's resolute character drives her to sever ties with her mother, choosing a path of independence and fulfillment in her work, despite the complexities of her familial ties.

Mrs. Kitty Warren

Mrs. Kitty Warren, also known as Miss Vacasour, is depicted as a financially secure madam who entered prostitution out of economic necessity, not moral deficiency. Born into poverty, she chose prostitution over the hazardous conditions of a lead factory. She has kept her profession a secret from Vivie for years, now attempting to assert maternal authority over her independent daughter. Shaw, in his "Apology," praises Mrs. Warren for her vigor, candor, thrift, and business acumen, which underscore her resilience. Her domineering nature is noted by Reverend Gardner, who observes her refusal to cede control.

A master of roles, Mrs. Warren plays the devoted mother when advantageous. Her genuine affection for Vivie surfaces in her anguish at the prospect of her daughter's rejection. Despite her attempts to justify her profession as empowering for the women it employs, Vivie confronts her with the reality of her complacency in the comforts her lifestyle provides. This confrontation forces Mrs. Warren to face her own conventionality and the chasm between her aspirations and the realities of her life choices.

Praed

Praed, a close friend of Mrs. Warren, is characterized by his gentle demeanor and affable manners. A self-described "anarchist," Praed is the first to visit Vivie's cottage, quickly perceiving her seriousness in stark contrast to her mother's jovial circle. He champions a life dedicated to the arts and culture, a path he wishes Vivie would embrace, although she remains indifferent. His kindness and eagerness to please are seen by Vivie as weaknesses. Despite his passion for the "Gospel of Art," Praed's avoidance of conflict reveals his timid nature.

Sir George Crofts

Sir George Crofts, a business partner of Mrs. Warren, is a genteel yet brutish figure who embodies the contradictions of high society. At fifty, he is fashionably attired, projecting an image of gentlemanliness but lacking in moral fiber. His unreciprocated romantic interest in Vivie ends in bitterness when she rejects him, exposing his cruelty as he maliciously suggests that she and Frank may be siblings. Crofts inadvertently divulges the continued operation of the Warren business, exacerbating the mother-daughter conflict. His character epitomizes the societal hypocrisy Vivie despises, and his attempts to manipulate her through marriage proposals highlight his moral shortcomings.

Frank Gardner

Frank Gardner, a charming yet aimless twenty-year-old, epitomizes the "love's young dream" archetype, despite the...

(This entire section contains 840 words.)

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potential of being Vivie's half-brother. His casual demeanor and stylish appearance mask a lack of ambition, as he depends on his father to settle his debts. Initially attracted to Vivie for her potential inheritance, his conscience prevails upon discovering its questionable origins, leading him to refuse any benefit. Despite his genial nature, he opts not to pursue a relationship with Vivie, acknowledging his inability to support her.

The Reverend Samuel Gardner

Reverend Samuel Gardner, Frank's father, is a church rector characterized by genteel pompousness. Despite his efforts to assert himself as a father and clergyman, he struggles to earn respect in either role. His past involvement with Mrs. Warren is a source of embarrassment, prompting him to guide his son towards a respectable future. Reverend Gardner personifies societal expectations of propriety, yet his attempts are frequently undermined by his own shortcomings.

Liz

Liz, Mrs. Warren's sister, formerly engaged in the same profession but has since attained social respectability through marriage. Although never appearing on stage, her choices are often contrasted with those of her sister. While Liz's conventional lifestyle does not entice Vivie, Mrs. Warren idolizes her as a paragon of success and societal acceptance.

Honoria Fraser

Honoria Fraser, though not present onstage, is a pivotal mentor to Vivie in the actuarial business. Her guidance and professional accomplishments represent the career and independence Vivie seeks to emulate, reinforcing the thematic significance of strong female role models beyond traditional domestic confines.

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