ARMS AND THE MAN

Set in Bulgaria, the play explores themes of war and heroism through the interactions between Raina Petkoff and Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary. After he takes refuge in her room, Raina initially mocks his views on cowardice but grows to admire his candidness. As the story unfolds, romantic entanglements shift, leading to unexpected engagements: Raina to Bluntschli, and Sergius to the maidservant Louka. Shaw's satire challenges traditional notions of bravery and romantic ideals against the backdrop of war.