Major Barbara is a play by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1905. It tells the story of Barbara Undershaft, a Major in the Salvation Army, and her wealthy industrialist father, Andrew Undershaft. Barbara is a passionate believer in the Salvation Army's mission to help the poor and destitute, while her father is a successful businessman who believes that money is the only true power in the world. When Andrew visits the Salvation Army shelter where Barbara works, he is impressed by her dedication and offers to donate a large sum of money to the organization. Barbara is torn between her loyalty to the Salvation Army and her love for her father. She is also forced to confront her own beliefs about money and power, and the morality of her father's business practices. In the end, she is forced to choose between her ideals and her family. The play is a commentary on the power of money and the moral implications of capitalism. It also explores the idea of charity and how it can be used to manipulate people. Major Barbara is a thought-provoking and entertaining play that is still relevant today.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1913 · Genre: Drama, Comedy, Social Commentary · 3 chapters