Introductory
Socialism, in this play, means equality among the people of the higher class as well as the people of the lower class. Shaw himself had been an active member of the Fabian Society, a society dedicated to the promotion of socialism. Shaw used his pen and speeches as a medium to encourage people to accept socialism. So, this play is an extension to Shaw's very cause. The play exhibits the division of upper and working class through the likes of Raina-Sergius and Louka-Bluntschli pair respectively. The play demonstrates the rise of the working-class as well as the hypocrisy of the upper class. Let's discuss them in detail:
Hypocrisy of Upper Class
Arms and the Man is the play that particularly shows how the people of the upper class can be hypocrite even to the ones close to them. The prime example of hypocrisy can be cited from the relationship of "higher love" that is observed between Raina and Sergius is merely an eyewash. Both of them are trying to dupe each other. Raina, who claims that the thought of Sergius had never been absent from her mind for a moment, forgets about him abruptly when a fugitive enters into their house threatening her to keep silent. If we flip the picture to Sergius, the one who also claims "If you are away five minutes, it will seem five hours. ", it takes him one minute to start his flirtation with Louka and to proclaim that the concept of higher love was fatiguing. Thus, the duality of faces found among the people of the upper class has been revealed by Bernard Shaw.
Rise of Working Class
The hypocritic behaviour is not limited to the aristocratic class only. In fact, it is equally present among the people of the lower class. Realistically speaking, it is through the means of hypocrisy towards the upper class of the working class to climb the ladder of society. For instance, Nikola advises Louka to stay calm because, through the money, they have been getting from the Petkoffs, they will open up their own business,
I shall always be dependent on the good will of the family. When I leave their service and start a shop in Sofia, their custom will be half my capital: their bad word would ruin me. (Nikola)
It is obvious that Nikola's muffled hypocrisy is looking ahead for a bright future. But through the character of Louka, Shaw wants to demonstrate that the feelings and emotions of the people of the working-class are as important and magnificent as those of the people of the elite class. That is why, we find Shaw, giving an equal spotlight to the people serving people as compared to the playwrights of previous times.
As mentioned before, Louka is a dramatic personage (character) who has been used as a symbol of dignity and independence. Louka's advanced hand is rejected to be kissed by Sergius at first but she withdraws it with dignity. As for seeking independence and climbing the social ladder, Louka does her best to impress Sergius through her glorified but courageous remarks on love. Her proclamation of loving someone out of social divisions boldly helps her maintain a good image in the heart of Sergius, a person of the higher class.
Similarly, we see Bluntschli, a soldier of the working-class, holding practical views on war, love and the art of soldiership. His apt remarks bring home Raina the true nature of life out of her romantic outlook and is thus, greatly impressed by his wisdom and entitles him as her "Chocolate Cream Hero".
Conclusion
Manifestly, Shaw wants to demonstrate the fact that the people of the lower class are as equal or more equal in wisdom and courage as those of the people of the upper class to wisely love someone and to have enough courage to marry the person of the opposite class. Thus, the play, Arms and The Man is stuffed in the Shawian Socialist Equality that is not "Romantic".
