Mother-Daughter Inhibitions in the Lives of a British Prostitute and a Cambridge Graduate

Abstract

George Bernard Shaw’s main purpose in writing Mrs. Warren’s Profession is to discuss another problem play “the problem of sexual prostitution and its economic roots.”  His aim is to awaken the dormant conscience of the people by driving home to them the dreadful truth that it is not the woman but the society at large which is accountable for the social evil of prostitution. He makes this clear in his Preface to Mrs. Warren’s Profession. Shaw says, “Prostitution is caused, not by female depravity and male licentiousness, but simply by underpaying, undervaluing and over working women so shamefully that the poorest of them are forced to resort to prostitution to keep body and soul together.” The inefficacious and effeminate culture that grapples the society with infidelity sustains the growth of prostitutes in the world and grim with every sprite and draught of male dominance that prevails. Society at large mocks the gullible that adroitly breaches the lacuna of sanctity leading to prostitution.