"Major Barbara" by Bernard Shaw is a play that explores family drama and moral dilemmas through the Undershaft family. Lady Britomart Undershaft and her son Stephen grapple with the return of Andrew Undershaft, the wealthy father and husband who makes weapons. Their daughter Barbara, a major in the Salvation Army, embodies a commitment to social responsibility, which clashes with her father's source of wealth. The story begins in Lady Britomart’s library, where she pushes Stephen to confront their father about his money, which is essential to the family's survival and the futures of her daughters, particularly Barbara. Stephen worries about his father's questionable morals and the complicated family relationships. We are introduced to Barbara and her sisters, Sarah, which sets the stage for discussions about class and ethics as they deal with their heritage and life choices.
Major Barbara
By Bernard Shaw
A family must reconcile their values with the source of their wealth when their estranged father, an armaments manufacturer, returns, forcing each of them to confront uncomfortable truths.
Summary
About the AuthorGeorge Bernard Shaw, known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1913) and Saint Joan (1923). With a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory, Shaw became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
George Bernard Shaw, known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1913) and Saint Joan (1923). With a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory, Shaw became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
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