Investigate the status of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. How does Barbara challenge the conventional roles assigned to women?

Considering Shaw's socialist views, what could have been his intention in depicting Andrew Undershaft's armaments factory and the nearby town as a model of success? How does Shaw highlight the downsides of Undershaft's accomplishments?

Compare Barbara and Cusins to Dr. Faustus in Christopher Marlowe's play The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus. Since Undershaft is often portrayed as a Satanic figure, does Cusins metaphorically sell his soul to the Devil? Does Barbara do the same?

Contrast Andrew Undershaft with Mother Courage from Bertolt Brecht's play Mother Courage and Her Children, first staged during World War II. How might the years of war between these periods explain the differences between the characters and the plays?

Read Henry David Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience." Discuss whether the characters in Major Barbara act according to their consciences. What does Shaw convey about the relationship between individual actions and society?