Major Barbara Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)

Quote #4

That is the general opinion of our governing classes. The novelty is in hearing any man confess it. (2.230)

Here, Dolly is appreciating that Undershaft doesn't try to dress up the dominant attitude among the "governing classes" that money and weapons rule the roost and are solely responsible for getting things done.

Quote #5

LADY BRITOMART: In good society in England, Charles, men drivel at all ages by repeating silly formulas with an air of wisdom. Schoolboys make their own formulas out of slang, like you. When they reach your age, and get political private secretaryships and things of that sort, they drop slang and get their formulas out of The Spectator or The Times. You had better confine yourself to The Times. You will find that there is a certain amount of tosh about The Times; but at least its language is reputable.
LOMAX [overwhelmed]: You are so awfully strong-minded, Lady Brit—
LADY BRITOMART: Rubbish! […] (3.49-51)

With her typically ironclad vision of what constitutes right and wrong, Lady B is lecturing Charles on how to act in a way that meshes with his class position. Like Barbara, he has a tendency to talk in a way that she finds, shall we say, unbecoming given his birth and breeding.

Quote #6

Just as much as it is your duty to submit to your husband. Come, Biddy! these tricks of the governing class are of no use with me. I am one of the governing class myself; and it is waste of time giving tracts to a missionary. I have the power in this matter; and I am not to be humbugged into using it for your purposes. (3.91)

While Lady B is pretty successful in correcting Charles and Barbara's behavior with her forceful reminders of their class, Andrew is immune to it; he's going to do what he wants to do, regardless of her attempts to get him to do his class-determined duty to leave the business to his son.