Class XI Com English Drama 6

Arms and the Man pg 32 and 33

The last day "the soul of a servant" was the key to the interaction between Nicola and Louka. What were their different perspectives to their work ? You could read back over the last couple of pages and write a few lines - it is significant to the difference in their characters.

We now proceed to the entry of Major Paul Petkoff

• as usual any description of a character by Shaw is important. In what way might Paul be "insignificant" ? - we can't say just now whether it refers only to his physical appearance, we shall need to be alert for this.
• "a man of consequence" i.e. an important person 
• "Fever" does not refer to being unwell, but to excitement
• "plucky" refers to being bold, uncharacteristically bold !
• "pulled him through" help him to persist in the face of difficulty
• brandy and cognac (pronounced 'koniak') - alcoholic drinks - quite strong and taken in very small measure - used in very cold climates to provide some 'extra warmth' !!

Catherine's entry 

• compare what was said of her when we were first introduced to her in Act 1 (page 12) - she has obviously been caught by surprise by her husband's return - she having just finished her breakfast.
• "perfunctory" basic - only essential rather than complete
• "turkish slippers" - you could check these out on the internet - embroidered and covered slippers - house slippers.
• "under all the circumstances"  - her 'toilet' being interrupted by the announcement that her husband has returned and has called for her; her therefore having not been able to get herself prepared as she might have liked to.

Interaction between Paul and Catherine

• What does Catherine's interaction with Paul about the war tell you of her perspective of life ? Isn't this an example of the 'romantic' idea she has of war ? Remember this is an 'anti-romantic comedy' and it is such opinions of war that Shaw wishes to debunk.
• Please note the humour as Paul Paul interacts with his wife, tolerates her perspective of war, teases her.

Assignment

• study what you have been told of the character of Major Paul Petkoff
• make sentences on words and phrases you have learnt in this section : insignificant; unpolished; a person of consequence; pluck; under the circumstances; mobilize; submissive; appease; to strike out;