Major Barbara
by George Bernard Shaw
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Book Summary Information
Author: George Bernard ShawEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2010-01-27
ISBN: 1604596856
Number of pages: 124
Publisher: SMK Books
Book Reviews of Major Barbara
Book Review: Top-Notch Shaw Comedy
Summary: 4 Stars
Major Barbara is one of George Bernard Shaw's greatest comedies, perhaps one of his greatest plays of all - essential for fans and a great introduction to his work. The play epitomizes what made Shaw both great and popular - the ability to convey serious, even revolutionary, ideas in palatable form. It is a tribute to Shaw's artistry that, no matter how didactic, he always managed to entertain; in notable contrast to most sociopolitical writers, his messages never overwhelm his stories. Major can thus be enjoyed on a very basic level as a superb comedy. Shaw's comic invention seemed endless; the play is frequently amusing, often even laugh aloud funny. Lady Britomart is one of the all-time great comic characters, and Undershaft is also a great creation. However, as always with Shaw, there is far more here than just comedy. Major darkness creeps in, particularly in the character of Bill Walker; one of the sorrier specimens to ever pollute a stage, he vividly shows humanity's basest side. More importantly, Shaw gives us a wealth of things to think about; his usual critiques of capitalism and religion are here, and he zeroes in specifically on the ethics of business and war. Even more incisive is his stark examination of poverty and what to do about it; he explores the complex charity issue via the Salvation Army. He also touches on feminist issues, particularly how difficult it was for women to obtain financial support a century ago. Also of note is Shaw's Preface; an edition with it is essential. Comparable in length to the play itself, it covers everything from literary criticism - in regard to Major and in general - to philosophical issues raised in the play. It examines these last in considerable depth; Shaw not only details the problems, but unlike so many others, also offers solutions. Many were almost unbelievably radical, and some still are. We may disagree, perhaps even quite strongly, but Shaw makes us think about important issues - which is what matters. Much the same can be said of the play itself, which is excellent here as in all other respects.
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