Major Barbara explores the conflict between charity and wealth through the lens of the Undershaft family. Barbara, a daughter in the family, is a major in the Salvation Army. Her father, Andrew, is a wealthy munitions manufacturer, whom the rest of the family hasn't seen for 20 years. The conflict between their world views brings Andrew to the Army shelter, and Barbara to his factory. The rest of the family, Lady Britomart and her two other children, find Barbara's charity amusing, but they are all dependent on Andrew for survival. In the end, Andrew and Barbara find a way to work together for the greater good.
Major Barbara guide sections