The Expression Of Creative Evolution Theory In George Bernard Shaw’s Dramas

George Bernard Shaw(1855-1950) is an outstanding realistic playwright and critic in British literature. He is also a profound thinker and philosopher. In 1925, Shaw was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature because of the humanity and idealism reflected in his plays. George Bernard Shaw highly praises the theory of Creative Evolution. Shaw once said that the Creative Evolution theory is his religion. It is also the religion of the 20 th century. Therefore, George Bernard Shaw’s works reveal social problems from different angles, reflecting his unique philosophy. Shaw even wrote Man and Superman specifically for the theory of Creative Evolution. Saint Joan is regarded as the peak of Shaw’s creations.This thesis attempts to interpret Shaw’s dramas from the perspective of the Creative Evolution theory. Therefore, the author chooses Man and Superman and Saint Joan to analyze the Creative Evolution theory from the angle of Life Force, knowledge and intelligence and superman respectively. This thesis illustrates the relation between female and Life Force by Shaw’s elaboration of Life Force in Man and Superman. Life Force controls the gender relation.Female serves as the core for achieving the goal. Moreover, female plays an important role in the process of superman’s coming into being. In Saint Joan, the God’s voice Joan heard is actually the summon of Life Force which gives Joan the great wisdom, extraordinary courage and unyielding belief. Life Force plays roles through human’s will and intelligence. The cooperation of Life Force and human’s intelligence will create superman.The thesis consists of five chapters. The first chapter includes a brief introduction to George Bernard Shaw and his main works and the framework of this thesis. Chapter two begins with literature review and the theory of Creative Evolution, including the origin and characteristics of the Creative Evolution theory. Chapter three mainly analyzes the expression of Life Force in Man and Superman and Saint Joan. Chapter four mainly discusses the expression of knowledge and intelligence in Man and Superman and Saint Joan. Chapter five analyzes the expression of superman in Man and Superman and Saint Joan. Through the above analysis, the thesis aims to help the readers to have a better understanding of George Bernard Shaw’s philosophical thought and his works.