Major Barbara is a play that explores the conflict between idealism and realism, particularly through the themes of poverty, religion, and capitalism. The story centers around Barbara Undershaft, a major in the Salvation Army, who is devoted to helping the poor. Her world is challenged when she reconnects with her estranged father, Andrew Undershaft, a wealthy arms manufacturer. As the play unfolds, Barbara must confront the moral contradictions of accepting money from questionable sources to do good. Shaw uses witty dialogue and sharp social commentary to question whether moral ends justify morally ambiguous means.