Who Barbara Undershaft is
Barbara Undershaft works at a Salvation Army shelter in West Ham, where she has real authority. She brings sincere belief, warmth and energy to her work among the poor.
What Barbara Undershaft wants
Barbara wants to save souls, and she believes her father can be won over too. She agrees to visit his cannon works if he will come to her shelter.
When Bill Walker strikes her fellow worker Jenny Hill, Barbara asks him to face what he has done. She refuses his money because she does not believe forgiveness can be bought.
How Barbara Undershaft changes
Peter Shirley challenges Barbara's confidence in charity because he needs paid work rather than soup and prayer. She can offer him help at the shelter, but she cannot give him a wage.
Her faith faces another test when the Army welcomes money from the trades of weapons and drink. These gifts force her to confront the connection between her charitable work and the businesses she opposes.
Barbara Undershaft and the others in the story
Andrew takes a real interest in Barbara's work, although his ideas about poverty challenge hers. Her fiance, Adolphus Cusins, is a professor of Greek who joins her Army work and understands both sides.
Questions
Who is Barbara Undershaft?
Barbara Undershaft is the Salvation Army officer at the centre of Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara.
Who is Barbara Undershaft's father?
Her father is Andrew Undershaft, a wealthy manufacturer of guns and explosives. He argues that removing poverty must come before teaching virtue.
What does Barbara believe about forgiveness?
Barbara believes forgiveness cannot be bought. She refuses Bill Walker's attempt to settle his guilt with money.