fabian society of English literature

1. “Fabians”
Roman General
Fabius Maximus
British Political Organization
1884 Aim ：gradually
changing Britain in
to a Socialist society.
gradual, peaceful approach
“Gas and Water”
Middle class
intellectuals:
the Webbs (Sidney
& Beatrice),
G.B. Shaw,
H.G. Wells,
Annie Besant
'wolf in sheep’s clothing'

2. Their principles
Their Program
 Competitive capitalism has outlived its
usefulness
 Careful and gradual transition to
socialism was both necessary and
practical
 Unlimited democracy in the political
sphere
 Socialism in the economic sphere

3. It aims to promote :
 greater equality of power,
wealth and opportunity;
 the value of collective action
and public service;
 an accountable, tolerant and
active democracy;
 citizenship, liberty and human
rights;
 sustainable development;
 multilateral international
cooperation

4. George Bernard Shaw(1856-1950)
 Irish playwright, critic, political activist , Nobel
Prize winner
 Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1912) and Saint
Joan.
 Joined Fabian Society in 1884.
 “You were fed, clothed, housed, employed
whether you liked it or not!!!! ”
 the abolition of private property, radical
changes in the voting system, the simplification
of spelling, and the reform of the English
alphabet.

5. 1892, Widowers' Houses

6. Pygmalion (1913)