A comparative study of Barbara and Artemis Based on Bolen's Theory

Major Barbara, Bernard Shaw’s famous work, describes an authoritative girl called Barbara, who tries to change her father’s behavior and thoughts. In this play, Barbara constantly lives through the conflict between morality, denomination, and capitalism. She always seeks to create an environment in her life. Barbara’s behavioral characteristics can be explained from a psychological point of view. According to Shinoda Bolen, the contemporary American psychiatrist, there are seven behavioral models for women, with each woman’s psyche being influenced by an archetype. A reflection of Barbara’s moral and behavioral characteristics reveals her character corresponding to the Artemis archetype. These similarities are embodied in the Artemisia Women Movement archetype, which prevails in Barbara’s psyche and makes her into a movement in the Salvation Army. With a definite goal, she plays a fiercely independent female spirit that helps her not succumb to weakness on this cruel path. Finally, she seeks to return to nature via her susceptible spirit and heal her injured soul. Barbara and Artemis are commonly characterized by having a freedom movement in mind, being decisive and purposeful, unyielding against weaknesses, vibrancy, and resorting to nature to heal the fragile spirit.