The Apple Cart as a Political Play

The Apple Cart as a Political Play

The Apple Cart by George Bernard Shaw is fundamentally a political play that explores the complex relationships between monarchy, democracy, and plutocracy. While at first glance it may appear to criticize democracy and favour monarchy, Shaw’s Preface clarifies that the true conflict is between both monarchy and democracy on one side and the dominance of moneyed interests on the other. Shaw warns readers not to take the play at “suburban face value,” and emphasizes that it exposes the influence of plutocracy: “Money talks; money prints; money broadcasts; money reigns; and kings and Labour leaders alike have to register its decrees, and even, by a staggering paradox, to finance its enterprise and guarantee its profits.” The play demonstrates that both the King and the Cabinet are constrained by capital by showing democracy and royalty as puppets in the hands of the wealthy.

King Magnus: A Monarch and a Democrat:

King Magnus is portrayed as a monarch who is also a true democrat in spirit. He genuinely cares for the welfare of his subjects and listens to their problems. Unlike his ministers, he is willing to act for the public good and check the influence of plutocracy. For instance, when Proteus, the Prime Minister, advises him not to disclose that he can exercise his veto, Magnus refuses, asserting his right to act for justice: “I am not to be restrained by my ministers from protecting the people.” Through Magnus, Shaw conveys the idea of a strong, responsible centre of power that balances the inefficiency of elected governments while resisting the control of moneyed interests.

The Cabinet, Democracy, and Plutocracy:

Shaw critiques democracy’s limitations by showing the Cabinet’s constant squabbling and inefficiency. Ministers like Crassus, who represents Breakages, Limited, and others serving plutocratic interests, cannot act independently: “Because every new invention is bought up and suppressed by Breakages, Limited…our national repair bill runs up to hundreds of millions.” Even capable ministers like Lysistrata or Labour leaders like Boanerges are powerless to challenge the capitalists. The play highlights that democracy in practice seldom governs for the people; it mainly protects the interests of the rich. Shaw’s satire shatters illusions about government “by the people,” showing instead that it often operates under the influence of money.

The Play as a Political Extravaganza:

In the context of The Apple Cart, the word “extravaganza” refers to a play that is larger-than-life, spectacular, and entertaining, combining humor, satire, and theatricality with serious political commentary. It does not mean the play is trivial; rather, it has fanciful, imaginative, and exaggerated elements that make it dramatic and memorable while delivering Shaw’s political ideas. Shaw rightly calls The Apple Cart a political extravaganza for several reasons:

 1. It presents imagined political events and challenges of the future, exposing the unreality of idealized monarchy and democracy.

 2. It is written in a realistic and satirical vein, portraying how governments function under plutocratic control.

 3. Humour, startling situations, and witty dialogues make serious political critique entertaining.

 4. The bungling and squabbling of ministers highlight democratic inefficiency.

 5. Absurd proposals, such as the merger of America with England, add fantastical and extravagant elements.

6. The Interlude provides theatrical flair and comic relief while reflecting real political ideas. These elements combine to make the play both a sharp critique of politics and a lively spectacle.

In the words of A.C. Ward, “While full weight should be given to the word ‘extravaganza’ in the sub-title, since parts of The Apple Cart are designedly farcical and wildly improbable, there is nevertheless much that provokes serious thought. Modern democrats are peculiarly sensitive to criticism from within the family…The conflict in The Apple Cart as Magnus sees it is not between democracy and absolutism but between opportunism and principle…The real problem raised in the play is not a conflict between democracy and royalty but between both these and plutocracy.”

Summing Up:

In The Apple Cart, Shaw presents a nuanced political vision. The play is not simply anti-democratic or pro-monarchy; rather, it exposes the pervasive influence of plutocracy over both. By contrasting the wise, public-minded King Magnus with the ineffective, self-serving Cabinet and showing how money dominates decision-making, Shaw critiques the idealism of democracy and the vulnerability of monarchy alike. He emphasizes in the Preface, democracy may be “a balloon…a means of protecting the interests of the rich, a device of buying royalty as well as the mob,” and this makes The Apple Cart a timeless study of political power, responsibility, and satire.