Major Barbara
Oct 2018 · Otbebookpublishing
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83
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About this eBook
Major Barbara is a three-act English play by George Bernard Shaw, written and premiered in 1905 and first published in 1907. The story concerns an idealistic young woman, Barbara Undershaft, who is engaged in helping the poor as a Major in the Salvation Army in London. For many years, Barbara and her siblings have been estranged from their father, Andrew Undershaft, who now reappears as a rich and successful munitions maker. Undershaft, the father, gives money to the Salvation Army, which offends Major Barbara, who does not want to be connected to his "tainted" wealth. However, the father argues that poverty is a worse problem than munitions, and claims that he is doing more to help society by giving his workers jobs and a steady income than Major Barbara is doing to help them by giving them bread and soup. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
About the author
George Bernard Shaw, born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland, was a titan of modern drama and a fervent critic of the social and political status quo. Shaw's career spanned over six decades, during which he penned more than 60 plays, including masterpieces like "Pygmalion" and "Saint Joan." His works are celebrated for their sharp wit, intellectual rigor, and deep social commentary, often challenging the moral and societal norms of his time.Shaw's early life was marked by financial instability and a lack of formal education, which he compensated for through voracious reading and self-study. Moving to London in 1876, he initially struggled to establish himself as a writer, but his fortunes changed with his involvement in the Fabian Society, a socialist organization that profoundly influenced his worldview and writing.A vocal advocate for social reform, Shaw championed causes such as women's rights, anti-vivisection, and the abolition of private property. His controversial views often sparked public debate, making him a polarizing figure. Shaw's preface to "Major Barbara," for instance, critiques capitalism and organized religion, reflecting his belief in the necessity of societal overhaul.Shaw's influence extended beyond the literary world; he was a Nobel Laureate in Literature (1925) and an Oscar winner for the screenplay adaptation of "Pygmalion" (1938). His legacy endures through his revolutionary ideas and his ability to blend humor with profound social critique, inspiring contemporary writers and thinkers to challenge the status quo. Shaw passed away on November 2, 1950, but his works continue to resonate, offering incisive commentary on human nature and society.
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