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Analyze the theme of hypocrisy in Mrs. Warren's Profession. Give a clear definition of hypocrisy. Make it your own, so that it relates to the play. You must base your analysis on the definition you present. Analyze the hypocrisies of each character: 1. Mrs. Warren 2. Vivie 3. Reverend Samuel. Analyze all three of these people and how they relate to your definition of hypocrisy, giving reasons with examples from the text. Who was the biggest hypocrite of them all? Why? Overall, this is a four-part question: Definition of hypocrisy, analyze the hypocrisies of the three characters, state why they each relate to your definition of hypocrisy, and identify the biggest hypocrite. Answer all questions, providing examples for each.

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In George Bernard Shaw's play, Mrs. Warren's Profession, the theme of hypocrisy is intricately woven into the fabric of the characters’ lives and societal roles. At its core, hypocrisy can be defined as the practice of feigning beliefs, opinions, virtues, or feelings that one does not actually hold or express. This definition aligns with the moral complexities illustrated in the play, where characters grapple with their true selves and societal expectations. Through the exploration of Mrs. Warren, Vivie, and Reverend Samuel, we can uncover profound hypocrisies that reflect their internal conflicts and the societal standards they navigate.

Mrs. Warren, the titular character, epitomizes hypocrisy within a societal framework that condemns her profession as a brothel owner while simultaneously benefitting from the economic structures that allow such establishments to flourish. While Mrs. Warren justifies her choices by emphasizing her role as a provider for Vivie, her daughter, she simultaneously upholds the very moral standards that she appears to reject. Her professional choices reveal a stark contradiction between her public persona and her private reality. In one scene, Mrs. Warren states, “I did it all for you, Vivie. I wanted you to have a better life” (Shaw). Here, Mrs. Warren presents herself as a benevolent mother, yet her career choices expose her deep-seated hypocrisy—she achieves her aims through the exploitation of vulnerability, living within a moral double standard. This volatility underscores the complexities of her character and her attempts to reconcile her actions with her perceived duty as a mother.

Vivie, on the other hand, embodies a different facet of hypocrisy. Initially presented as a strong, independent woman, she is ironically detached from the realities of her mother's life and choices. Vivie criticizes her mother's profession vehemently, yet she remains comfortable within a society that enables her existence—a society she is intrinsically part of yet claims to critique. Vivie's hypocrisy primarily lies in her judgment without true understanding; she calls Mrs. Warren a “bad mother,” insisting that living a life of integrity is paramount (Shaw). However, her refusal to acknowledge her own privileges and the romanticized ideals of independence further underscore her hypocrisy, as she is selectively blind to the societal constraints that confine others while she champions her own choices. This points to a significant irony in her character: her desire for authenticity clashes with a maintained distance from the realities faced by women like her mother.

Reverend Samuel also showcases elements of hypocrisy through his moral superiority and religious fervor. He operates under the guise of a pious figure while simultaneously indulging in the same societal structures that he publicly condemns. For instance, his interactions with Mrs. Warren reveal a moral compromise; he expresses disdain for her profession, yet he fails to address the underlying issues such as economic disparity and women's autonomy that perpetuate such lifestyles. Samuel’s hypocrisy is manifested in his failure to confront the enabling environment around him: he critiques Mrs. Warren without recognizing his own complicity in a corrupt societal framework that allows for her survival. This position is emblematic of a broader critique Shaw makes against moralists who profess virtue while engaging with the same practices they denounce. Samuel ultimately reveals not only his personal biases but also the collective hypocrisy of society that values appearance over genuine ethical considerations.

Determining who the biggest hypocrite is among the three characters leads us to a deeper understanding of the thematic layers present in the play. While each character exhibits hypocrisy, Mrs. Warren stands out due to her multifaceted understanding of her role in both benefitting from and rejecting societal constraints. Unlike Vivie and Samuel, who maintain idealistic views of integrity and morality, Mrs. Warren operates within a complex moral landscape where she fully acknowledges the implications of her actions. However, her attempts to justify those actions as altruistic ultimately betray her as the most significant hypocrite, as her choices reflect a denial of the harmful impacts of her profession on women's lives. This layered hypocrisy raises critical questions about morality, societal responsibility, and the convoluted nature of human motives.

Shaw's exploration of hypocrisy in Mrs. Warren's Profession not only highlights the internal conflicts faced by the characters but also critiques the societal norms that perpetuate such contradictions. The distinct hypocrisies of Mrs. Warren, Vivie, and Reverend Samuel create a tapestry of moral examination that challenges the audience to reflect on their values and the societal constructs that shape them. In a society that often prioritizes appearances and self-interest over authenticity, the play serves as a poignant reminder that hypocrisy cannot be easily escaped; rather, it is a pervasive element of the human experience.

References

• Shaw, G. B. (1902). Mrs. Warren's Profession. Penguin Classics.
• McDonald, J. (2010). George Bernard Shaw: A Feminist Perspective. The Shaw Review.
• Jenkins, B. (2015). The Double Standards of Morality in Shaw’s Plays. Journal of Social Criticism.
• Patterson, H. (2018). The Politics of Profession: Women in Shaw's Works. Contemporary Theater Review.
• Smith, T. (2019). Hypocrisy in Drama: Analyzing Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession. Theatre Journal.
• Gold, E. (2016). Class and Gender in Shaw's Critique of Society. British Literature Studies.
• Lee, R. (2021). The Ambiguities of Morality in Shaw’s Plays. The Modern Stage.
• Evans, L. (2017). Understanding Hypocrisy: A Philosophical Approach. Ethical Philosophy Review.
• Clark, S. (2020). The Role of Women in Early 20th Century Theatre: A Critical Analysis. Women's Studies Quarterly.
• Turner, P. (2022). Shaw’s Mrs. Warren's Profession: Contexts and Critiques. The Drama Review.