Major Barbara

Set in Lady Britomart Undershaft's library on a January evening, the story introduces a complex character who embodies the contradictions of upper-class life. At fifty, she is stylish yet disheveled, well-bred but outspoken, and manages her household with a mix of practical ability and high temperament. Her worldview is limited by domestic and class boundaries, yet she remains open-minded about culture and literature. The setting reflects her character, with a comfortable yet formal atmosphere that mirrors her personality and social standing.