Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

 

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

Pygmalion is a play by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913. It is one of Shaw’s most famous works and is often considered his masterpiece. The play explores themes of social class, transformation, language, and identity, while also critiquing British society's rigid class divisions. The story revolves around the relationship between Professor Henry Higgins, a linguist, and Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl, whom he attempts to transform into a lady by refining her speech.

Themes in Pygmalion

1. Social Class and Mobility

   • The play critiques the rigid class system of British society.
   • Eliza’s transformation proves that class distinctions are artificial, as language alone can dictate social standing.

2. Transformation and Identity

   • The play explores both external and internal transformation.
   • While Eliza’s speech and manners change, she struggles to find her own identity beyond Higgins’ experiment.

3. Gender and Power Dynamics

   • Higgins sees himself as a creator, similar to Pygmalion from Greek mythology.
   • Eliza’s defiance at the end challenges the notion of men shaping women’s destinies.

4. Language and Communication

• The play highlights the power of language in shaping perceptions and social mobility.
• It raises questions about whether language should define a person’s worth.

Characters

1. Eliza Doolittle

   • A poor flower girl who aspires to improve her social standing.
   • Intelligent and strong-willed, she transforms both in speech and self-awareness.

2. Professor Henry Higgins

   • A brilliant but arrogant phonetics expert.
   • He treats Eliza as a project rather than a person.

3. Colonel Pickering

   • A linguist and gentleman, he is kinder to Eliza than Higgins.
   • He represents respect and politeness in contrast to Higgins’ rudeness.

4. Alfred Doolittle

   • Eliza’s father, a dustman with unconventional views on morality.
   • He ironically rises to the middle class despite disliking social responsibility.

5. Mrs. Higgins

   • Higgins’ mother, who disapproves of his treatment of Eliza.
   • She provides Eliza with emotional support and guidance.

6. Freddy Eynsford-Hill

   • A young man who falls in love with Eliza.
   • Represents romantic idealism but lacks depth.

Symbolism in the Play

• Pygmalion Myth: The play is inspired by the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with his own statue. Higgins represents Pygmalion, and Eliza is his creation. However, unlike the myth, Eliza refuses to remain under Higgins’ control.
• Language as a Social Barrier: The play highlights how accents and speech patterns define a person’s social status.
• Clothing and Transformation: Eliza’s change in attire reflects her shifting identity.

 Critical Analysis of Pygmalion

One of the central themes in Pygmalion is social class and mobility, as Shaw critiques the rigid British class system by showing how superficial class distinctions are. Eliza’s transformation demonstrates that language and appearance, rather than innate qualities, determine social status. However, her struggle to find a place after the transformation suggests that true mobility is not as simple as it seems. The play also explores transformation and identity, emphasizing that external changes, such as refined speech and manners, do not necessarily lead to inner fulfillment. Eliza’s journey is not just about mastering language but about asserting her own agency and independence, which Higgins fails to recognize.

Another key theme is language and power, as Shaw highlights how speech shapes one’s social standing. Higgins’ expertise in phonetics allows him to control Eliza’s transformation, illustrating how language can be used as a tool of authority. However, by the end of the play, Eliza reclaims her voice, proving that true empowerment comes from self-determination rather than external validation. This connects to the theme of gender and power dynamics, where Higgins assumes the role of Pygmalion, the mythological sculptor, attempting to mold Eliza into his ideal creation. Yet, unlike the myth, Eliza refuses to remain under his control, challenging the notion that men should shape women’s destinies.

Critically, Pygmalion can be read as a satire of social conventions and the idea of "gentility." Shaw, a staunch advocate of social reform, exposes the hypocrisy of the upper class and questions whether one’s worth should be defined by speech and appearance. The ambiguous ending, where Eliza asserts her independence, subverts the traditional romantic resolution often expected in transformation narratives. Instead of conforming to Higgins’ expectations, she chooses her own path, reinforcing the play’s deeper message about self-respect and autonomy. By blending wit, irony, and social critique, Shaw delivers a powerful commentary on class, gender, and the limits of personal transformation in a society governed by rigid structures.

References:

Shaw, George Bernard. Pygmalion. Penguin Classics, 2003.