1. Romanticism and War:
* The "heroic" image of war: The play mocks the romanticized view of war, contrasting the idealistic, poetic notion of bravery with the reality of battlefield cowardice. Bluntschli, the "unheroic" soldier, is practical, pragmatic, and even cynical about war, while the "heroic" Sergius is revealed to be a vain, self-serving figure.
* The ideal of the romantic hero: Sergius, the embodiment of the romantic hero, is depicted as a shallow and vain individual. His actions are fueled by a desire for public approval rather than genuine courage or conviction.
* The "ideal" woman: Raina's initial romanticism is contrasted with her eventual practicality. Her infatuation with Sergius crumbles as she realizes his flaws and appreciates Bluntschli's genuine heroism.
2. Class and Social Hierarchy:
* The "superior" aristocracy: The play satirizes the perceived superiority of the upper class, exposing their hypocrisy and shallowness. The Petrovs, the "noble" family, are portrayed as self-absorbed and out of touch with reality.
* The "inferior" working class: Bluntschli, a simple soldier from a lower social class, emerges as a more practical and honest individual than the aristocratic Sergius.
* The role of women: Raina's initial submissive role as a young woman is challenged by her eventual independence and self-reliance, satirizing the limited options available to women in Victorian society.
3. Nationalism and Patriotism:
* The absurdity of blind patriotism: The play criticizes the unquestioning acceptance of nationalism and blind patriotism. Sergius's fervent patriotism is shown to be more about personal glory than genuine concern for his country.
* The hypocrisy of war: The play exposes the hypocrisy of war, highlighting the conflict between the patriotic ideals and the brutal realities of battle.
4. Romance and Love:
* The shallowness of romantic love: The play mocks the idealized notion of romantic love, revealing its often shallow and superficial nature. Sergius and Raina's initial attraction is based on romantic illusions rather than genuine understanding.
* The power of practicality: The play suggests that practicality and common sense are more valuable than romantic ideals, as seen in the development of Raina's relationship with Bluntschli.
5. Military and Military Strategy:
* The incompetence of the military: The play ridicules the military establishment, presenting a humorous critique of its outdated strategies and the incompetence of its leaders.
* The ineffectiveness of traditional warfare: The play satirizes the traditional methods of warfare, highlighting the importance of new and more effective tactics.
Overall, Shaw uses satire to expose the hypocrisies, illusions, and contradictions of Victorian society, particularly in relation to war, romance, and social hierarchy. His sharp wit and insightful observations contribute to a play that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.