Major Barbara War/Violence Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)

Quote #4

Yes: you like an old man to hit, don't you, when you've finished with the women. I ain't seen you hit a young one yet. (2.65)

War violence isn't the only kind of aggression that gets a lot of airtime in the play—there's also a lot of talk of violence among the poor (and a lot of talk about violence against women).

Quote #5

BILL [with compressed aggravation]: If you was maw gel and took the word aht o me mahth lawk thet, Aw'd give you sathink you'd feel urtin, Aw would. [To Adolphus] You tike maw tip, maie. Stop er jawr; or you'll doy afoah your tawn. [With intense expression] Wore aht: thets wot you'll be: wore aht. (2.214)

Ah, the irony—Undershaft is kind of the face of war and violence to his family, but people like Bill (whom Barbara treats with total gentleness and understanding) are actually much more violent. Here, he's arguing that Dolly should basically beat Barbara early and often to make sure Dolly doesn't die young of frustration . . . yeah, he's really not a nice guy.

Quote #6

UNDERSHAFT: The two things are—
CUSINS: Baptism and—
UNDERSHAFT: No. Money and gunpowder. (2.227-229)

Chatting with Dolly, Undershaft is defining the two things that are necessary for salvation. Given his profession and extreme emphasis on the importance of wealth, his choices aren't really that surprising...