Just Like George Bernard Shaw: James Alfred Wright
Just Like George Bernard Shaw by James Alfred Wright
About the Playwright
Main plot of the story
In "Just Like George
Bernard Shaw," James Herriot weaves a tale of rural veterinary life in
Yorkshire. The main theme revolves around the challenges and rewards of
treating animals, with a focus on a calf with a broken leg at Casling Farm.
Through humor and warmth, Herriot portrays the close-knit community and the unique
characters he encounters, using literary references to George Bernard Shaw
to add a touch of wit and cultural insight to the narrative.
Summary of the story
In "Just Like George Bernard
Shaw" by James Herriot, the narrative unfolds in the picturesque Yorkshire
Dales, where the protagonist, James Herriot, a seasoned veterinarian,
encounters the intriguing characters of Casling Farm. The central figure is Mr.
Casling, a 60-year-old patriarch and the owner of Casling Farm. The chapter
revolves around Herriot's visit to the farm, prompted by a call for veterinary
assistance. Mr. Casling's two sons, Alan and Harold, both 30 years old, are
also present, likely contributing to the operations of the farm. The focal
point of Herriot's attention is a calf with a broken leg. The injured animal
becomes the catalyst for a series of events that weave together the challenges
and rewards of rural veterinary practice. As Herriot approaches the case with
his characteristic blend of professionalism and empathy, the reader gains
insights into the complexities of treating animals in a rural setting.
The title, "Just Like George
Bernard Shaw," introduces a humorous and literary element to the
narrative. It implies that there is a character, potentially Mr. Casling, who shows
traits reminiscent of the famous Irish playwright and critic George Bernard
Shaw. This literary reference adds a layer of wit and characterization to the
story, as Herriot draws parallels between the individuals he encounters and
well-known cultural figures. Throughout the chapter, Herriot's storytelling
prowess shines as he combines humor, warmth, and a keen observation of human
and animal behavior. The interactions between Herriot and the Casling family
are likely marked by the unique dynamics of rural life, with its close-knit
communities and the intimate connection between people and their livestock. As
Herriot tends to the injured calf, the narrative unfolds with a rich tapestry
of details about the Yorkshire landscape, the challenges of veterinary
medicine, and the idiosyncrasies of the characters involved. The reader is
likely treated to vivid descriptions of the farm, the practicalities of
veterinary procedures, and the genuine concern of both Herriot and the Casling
family for the well-being of the animals.
In summary, "Just Like George
Bernard Shaw" captures the essence of James Herriot's storytelling,
blending the intricacies of veterinary work with the warmth and humor of rural
life in Yorkshire. The chapter provides a window into the challenges and joys
of Herriot's profession, all while celebrating the unique personalities that
populate the farms and villages of the Yorkshire Dales.
Possible Questions and Answers
1.
In Just Like George
Bernard Shaw, what prompts Herriot to start talking to the three farmers about
Shaw's broken leg?
To break the silence,
Herriot starts talking to the three farmers about Shaw's broken leg as he is
caring for the fractured leg of the calf.
2.
What is the veterinarian's
attitude toward Mr. Casting and his sons in Just Like George Bernard Shaw?
The veterinarian's attitude
toward Mr. Casling and his son is irritating and boring.
3.
What does the author mean
when he says in the final paragraph that "all fame is relative"?
All fame is indeed
relative. In the eyes of Herriot, Shaw was very important and hoped that farmers would know him. A strange thing happened as he shared Shaw's broken leg; they showed no interest in knowing or hearing. It means that they do not know about
Shaw. Fame is also bound with time and place. As time passes, the same fame cannot
be with us.
4.
Why do you suppose Herriot
chooses to fall into Yorkshire's speech in his narrative's closing word?
I think that Herriot
chooses to fall into Yorkshire’s speech to convey the message of what innocent
farmers may think about Shaw.
5.
Why does the writer use so
many technical terms in the anecdote in "Just like George Bernard
Shaw?"
In Just Like George
Bernard Shaw, the writer uses so many technical terms in the anecdote because
he is a vet and has come to cure Mr. Castling's calf.
6.
Sum up, in a paragraph or
two, the reasons for the communication gap between the veterinarian and the
Caslings.
There are a few reasons
for the communication gap between the veterinarian and the Casling, just like George
Bernard Shaw. Firstly, the Casling family only wants to cure their calf. It was
their property, so they only paid attention to their calf. Secondly, being
uneducated and in remote areas, they, as a respect, do not want to talk more
with the writer. Thirdly, as the vet talks about Shaw, they do not know about
Shaw and his popularity.
7.
"All fame is
relative." Do you agree? Why or why not?
Yes, I agree that all fame
is relative because name and fame are bound to time and place. Almost everyone
dreams of being famous and popular. Most people would like to be admired and
loved by others who surround them, but the price of fame is high.
Celebrities or famous
people are generally very wealthy people who can afford to have
everything that they want. As a consequence, they live in big, luxurious
apartments and houses, spend their money on designer clothes, have expensive
cars, and so on. Celebrities ' fortunes let them not worry about their future. Not
only do they have financial protection for themselves, but also for their
families. In addition, fame means being recognized by almost everyone.
***
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