An Essay on the Both Romantic and Realistic Characters in Arms and the Man

Throughout the years, a prominent difference between and separation of Romanticism and Realism has always existed. The gap between the two with characters and with genres is often clear, and who is Romantic and what is Realistic is plainly defined. In his play, Shaw melds Romanticism and Realism into a given character with the result of touching upon deceiving appearances and a well-written comedy. In Arms and the Man, Shaw's characters give the reader first impressions that contradict aspects of their personality later revealed throughout the course of the play, specifically contrasting between Romantic and Realistic viewpoints; such characters that later contrast their first impressions are Raina, Louka, and Officer Bluntschli.
The first character introduced to us in the play is Raina, a rather idealistic young woman. She initially appears to have Romantic ideals, as her seemingly upper class upbringing has allowed only that narrow mind-set. At the inflated news of a victorious cava...