Who Peter Shirley is
Peter Shirley appears at the Salvation Army shelter in West Ham, where Barbara Undershaft works among the poor. He is sober and proud, but losing his job because he is considered too old leaves him needing help.
What Peter Shirley wants
Shirley wants a job and a wage, not pity or a meal that leaves his circumstances unchanged. He argues that the Army offers bread without addressing the causes of poverty. Barbara can give him soup and prayer, but she cannot offer the paid work he needs. His situation troubles her confidence in charity and brings the difference between helping the poor and changing their conditions into focus.
Questions
Who is Peter Shirley in Major Barbara?
Peter Shirley is a proud older worker who comes to the Salvation Army shelter after losing his job.
Why does Peter Shirley lose his job?
He loses his job because he is judged too old to work.
How does Peter Shirley challenge Barbara?
He challenges her by asking for work rather than charity. His need for wages exposes something her soup and prayer cannot provide.