Study Guide For George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara

George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara is a play that explores the themes of religion, war, and social class. The play was first performed in 1905 and has been praised for its wit, intelligence, and social commentary.

Study Guide for George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Lindsay Locraft

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1331 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	24 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Characters

• Major Barbara Undershaft - The title character of the play, Barbara is a young woman who has dedicated her life to the Salvation Army. She is a strong-willed and idealistic woman who believes that she can make a difference in the world.
• Andrew Undershaft - Barbara's father, Andrew is a wealthy arms manufacturer. He is a cynical and pragmatic man who believes that war is a necessary evil.
• Lady Britomart Undershaft - Barbara's mother, Lady Britomart is a kind and gentle woman who is devoted to her family.
• Adolphus Cusins - A young professor of Greek, Adolphus is in love with Barbara. He is a gentle and idealistic man who believes in the power of education.
• Snobby Price - A young Salvation Army officer, Snobby is a simple and earnest man who believes in the power of faith.
• Stephen Undershaft - Barbara's brother, Stephen is a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is a sensitive and intelligent man who is torn between his desire to do good and his desire to live a comfortable life.

Themes

• Religion - Shaw explores the role of religion in society and the ways in which it can be used for both good and evil.
• War - Shaw examines the causes and consequences of war and the ways in which it can destroy both individuals and societies.
• Social class - Shaw explores the different social classes in Edwardian England and the ways in which they interact with each other.

Historical Context

Major Barbara was written during a time of great social and political change in England. The play reflects the growing disillusionment with organized religion and the rise of socialism.

Critical Reception

Major Barbara has been praised by critics for its wit, intelligence, and social commentary. The play has been performed around the world and has been made into several films and television adaptations.

Study Questions

• How does Shaw use the character of Major Barbara to explore the role of religion in society?
• What does Shaw say about the causes and consequences of war in Major Barbara?
• How does Shaw explore the different social classes in Edwardian England in Major Barbara?
• What are the main themes of Major Barbara?
• How has Major Barbara been received by critics and audiences?

Further Reading

• Major Barbara by George Bernard Shaw
• Major Barbara Study Guide
• Major Barbara Summary and Analysis

Study Guide for George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Lindsay Locraft

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1331 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	24 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE