Pygmalion emphasizes that speech alone can define one’s social standing. Shaw looks at all of the hidden compromises and incongruences that might otherwise stay unnoticed. The author goes to great lengths in comparing the various social classes of 20th century society. For Doolittle this compromise is too big.

This highly coveted social position robs her of all freedom. While this might sound rather strange, when Doolittle enters the higher circle, she clearly understands that a woman of such high standing has no other choice but to “sell” herself to a good party, becoming a wife. We strive toward things that, in the end, turn out to be different than what we expected them to be. They are not independent, they are too attached to the male figures in their lives. In the plot it is evident that she gives up many things, simply because women who have a high position in society are either housewives or widows. Higgins and the housekeeper are the two women who recognize and acknowledge what Doolittle is to lose if she gives up her position in society. Though she is common, Eliza has many privileges that women in high standing do not have, like her independence for example. Higgins looks down upon Eliza, going so far as to make fun of her while he and Pickering are in her flower shop. It should be noted that Higgins is not doing this for Eliza’s benefit. Higgins bets the Pickering that in 6 months he will make Doolittle into a respected society woman. Higgins makes a bet with his fellow linguist, Colonel Pickering. By accident she meets Henry Higgins, who is a famous linguist. She holds a somewhat menial job selling flowers. The following paper will take a closer look at Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and the social criticism that it contains.Įliza Doolittle is a common woman, not of high standing in society. These characters are Shaw’s modern take on Galatea and Pygmalion, respectively. Shaw very heavily criticizes British society through the eyes of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins. Shaw’s play grants more depth to the idea of Pygmalion and Galatea, and applies their story in a more modern and societal setting. Venus brings Galatea to life, and she and Pygmalion seemingly live happily ever after. After praying to Venus to bring his “ivory girl” to life, she grants his wish. In this myth, Pygmalion is a sculptor who falls in love with Galatea, one of his sculptures. Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion is a play based on the Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea.

Pygmalion play