Summary:
Major Barbara is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1905. It explores themes of morality, wealth, power, and social responsibility through the story of Barbara Undershaft, a devoted officer in the Salvation Army, and her father, Andrew Undershaft, a wealthy munitions manufacturer. Barbara believes in helping the poor through charity and faith, while her father argues that real power and change come from money and industry. When the Salvation Army accepts donations from wealthy industrialists, including Undershaft, Barbara becomes disillusioned, realizing that poverty cannot be eradicated through charity alone. The play challenges traditional views on morality, questioning whether wealth gained from war and industry is inherently evil or if it can be used for good. By the end, Barbara begins to see her father’s perspective—that economic power is necessary for true social change.
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| Question | Answer |
| Play Name | Major Barbara |
| Author | George Bernard Shaw |
| Year Published | 1905 |
| Main Themes | Morality, wealth, power, social responsibility |
| Literary Devices | Satire, irony, realism |
| Protagonist | Barbara Undershaft |
| Barbara’s Profession | Salvation Army Officer |
| Andrew Undershaft’s Belief | Wealth and power are necessary to change society |
| Message | Poverty cannot be eradicated through charity alone; economic power is essential |