Major Barbara

Main Ideas

• Conflict between morality and money: At the heart of the plot is the clash between Barbara's idealistic beliefs and the pragmatism of her father, industrialist Andrew Undershaft.
• Social critique: Shaw examines the social and economic structures of society, highlighting the hypocrisy and contradictions in charity and capitalism.
• Role of religion: Through the characters and their interactions, the author explores the influence of religion on society and personal beliefs, questioning the sincerity of religious institutions.
• Ethics and power: The play raises questions about how power and money can affect moral values and personal beliefs.
• Idea of personal responsibility: Shaw emphasizes the importance of personal choice and responsibility for one's actions within the context of social and economic conditions.