Audience Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“Just as the historian can teach no real history until he has cured his readers of the romantic delusion that the greatness of a queen consists in her being a pretty woman and having her head cut off, so the playwright of the first order can do nothing with his audience until he has cured them of looking at the stage through the keyhole, and sniffing round the theatre as prurient people sniff round the divorce court.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1905
Historical and theatrical narratives must free audiences from romanticized myths to reveal deeper truths.
In simple terms: Free minds from romantic delusions.
Challenge conventional narratives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- reading history
- watching drama
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does myth shape our perception?
- What can theater teach about history?
Some may resist confronting uncomfortable truths.