In a group we discussed who is a dynamic character. Eliza is the most prominent dynamic character, as she changes greatly. As she is taught to speak better, Eliza becomes more proper, and less whiny and annoying. She can make valid arguments and is no longer easily manipulated. This changes how many of the characters, such as the Eynsford Hills, see her, as they don't even realize she is the flower girl on the street they saw before.
Henry Higgins was also a topic in our discussion, as his personality traits cause a general dislike of him from all the other characters. Higgins acts like a spoiled kid, has a disregard for anyone else's feelings, and thinks only of himself. To top it all off, he has little idea of what he does to make people dislike him. The odd thing is, that Colonel Pickering is kind, and generous, and unselfish, but him and Henry Higgins are very close friends.
I can't remember when exactly but I believe at one point in the play, Eliza even shows her inner changes by using the same trick that Henry taught her. The one where she tries to shift the subject by talking about the weather. That should have been something I had said in the discussion. But it was a bit hard to answer the question about dynamic characters because of how Eliza first acts. She does show a lot of independence in the beginning (her working alone and helps out her alcoholic father all on her own) that it kept coming to mind as I tried to answer how she had changed by the end.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree. It's obvious she changes a lot, but it's hard to describe in what way. She starts out fairly independent, I must agree, but it's shadowed by her naivety, her ability to be easily manipulated, and how whiny she was. Sure, she was outspoken, but she could barely make an argument against Higgins. By the end of the play, she earns the eloquence to argue with Higgins and win, without giving in to him, and that's where she really succeeded and changed.
DeleteYeah, I agree but I think we can agree that Higgins and Pickering make the best couple. I'm not trying to be offensive or anything but it really helps with Henry's song of "Why can't a woman be like a man?". I'm not too much of a fan of the way Eliza gets with Freddy in the play but hey, if it gives Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering a chance then go right ahead Bernard Shaw. Go right ahead...
DeleteTrue dat. Seriously. 'opposites attract' is a true statement with those two! It's nearly impossible not to ship them! And Pickering is nice, but stern so he'll keep Higgins in line! I feel bad for poor Mrs.Pearce though. Poor lady will probably have a heart attack. Not to mention Higgin's mother. That's what you get for having to old bachelor's living in the same house! TRUE LOVE! We will find it everywhere.....
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