Cross is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in modern drama. In this essay she discusses the development of Barbara's identity as it relates to her involvement with family and work.

In his play Major Barbara, Shaw focuses on the development of identity in his lead character, Barbara Undershaft. Although Barbara has a strong sense of self at the beginning of the play, Shaw shows that her identity is not fixed and simple but fluid and complex Her identity is composed of many factors that, initially, seem at odds. She is the daughter of wealthy parents whose lifestyles she rejects. Instead she chooses to work for the Salvation Army, accepting the tiny sum of a pound a week as salary. While her allegiance at the play's outset lies almost wholly With the Army, Barbara will come to realize that her family may enable her to better perform the...