Major Barbara from the perspective of social Darwinism:
. Social Darwinism basically the effect of Darwin's theory into the society.
. The logic is the big fish eats the small fish.
. Money and materialism are important. It means that the powerful one survives in the society.
. The development of society from the morality point of view.
. Money : society, religion, politics. Survive if you have financial security in society.
The play:
. Setting: London
. Characters: Major Barabara, Andrew Undershaft (her father), Sara (her sister). Sara's fiance Charles Lomax, Stephen. (her brother) Lady Britomart Undershaft (her mother) and Adolphus Cusins (her boy friend)
. Major Barbara works at the Salvation Army. The play starts at Lady Britomart's house. Lady Britomart wants his son to run the jobs of his father's factory. In other words she wants position for her son. That's why she calls her ex-husband.
. The idea of Andrew's coming again disturb Stephen and Barbara, because they know that their father makes his money from bad ways.
. When Andrew meets with Barbara he wants to save his daughter from the religious beliefs.
. He does not want to make his son as an heir for the factory because he is doing an immoral job. Also the aim of the factory is to educate foundlings and make them run the job. In addition to these Andrew understands that his son is not capable of doing his jobs.
. Adolphus Cusins is a boy friend of Barbara. He is not really interested in Salvation Army. He goes here because he loves Barbara. Major Barbara starts to speak with her father. They are betting to each other to visit their places. The aim is to attract each other, and the one who becomes successful is going to win the bet. First of all they go to the Salvation Army which does not create a good impression on Andrew. The place is old and poor. On the other hand, the factory is a good looking place and everybody seems to work very happily. He is not a religious man, he does not earn money from moral ways but he is rich. He has money and order in the factory on contrary to Salvation Army.
. Adolphus gets impressed so much from Andrew's job. Barbara becomes aware of that.
. Barbara does not want any foundation comes from illegal ways but Mrs. Baines accepts the money. That's why she leaves the army.
. Religion can survive if it is supported by its customers. Religion belongs to money too.
When Barbara understands everything is related to money in society, even religion, she gives importance to materialism more.
. It is also important to know that people who come to Salvation Army have only one aim: to eat. They do not really care about the souls of themselves which means that they pretend = there is a benefit relationship.
. Religion loses its importance in the play for Barbara. Money becomes important.
