Shaw Study Group

New Study Group

 

A new study group has been set up by the Shaw Society. The idea is to meet and discuss Shaw's writings, other than his plays.

 

The suggestion came from Mark Egerton, committee member, who said he often found himself reading Shaw material that he wished he could discuss formally with colleagues.

 

The first work to be studied was The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Sodalism and Capitalism. Members read the work at home in private, then met to exchange views about it. The first comment, from several women, was that the title was patronizing: it belittled women. Then someone pointed out that the book was produced when women first got the vote, so it might have seemed at the time just like a practical handbook. (Shaw's tendency to shock was also pointed out - his habit of putting things in the most contentious way, to gain attention).

 

There was general agreement as to how lucidly Shaw put his arguments; anyone could understand them. And it was interesting how relevant the book was to modern times. Shaw was against capitalism and in favour of equality. Yet today people are still protesting about the excesses of capitalism (in such demonstrations as the one at St Paul's) and it seems as if the gap between rich and poor is getting wider.

 

There are plans for the Study Group to meet quarterly. The next meeting is in April to study Frank Harn's's biography of Shaw. and subsequently his novel Immaturio. Details from 07855 711101.