George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw , known at his insistence simply as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman , Pygmalion and Saint Joan . With a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory, Shaw became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

• Study Guide: Major Barbara

  As an early nineteenth century play, Major Barbara provides political commentary on the matter of whether it is morally right or wrong to obtain something that is used for a good cause from death and destruction. Moreover, it encourages conversation among students about whether a charitable act maintains its value even when its roots were immoral.