Discussion #2

There are a few themes expressed in the play, the main one being rich versus poor. The characters seem to represent this theme as Higgins versus Eliza is most of the conflict, and he is rich, and she is poor. Also the fact that Pickering treats Eliza nicely, despite her being a common flower girl, shows 'you can't judge a book by it's cover'. The theme of rich versus poor refers to a social problem in the time the play was written. The rich and the poor lived very separate lives, and the rich looked down on the poor, when really, as proven in the play, the only difference between the two was the fact that the rich spoke more eloquently, and acted more reserved. Even if it is agreed that the problem of classes is less prominent nowadays, I believe the problem of improper grammar is still very present. You can see how horribly people write, and even speak nowadays, that grammar has not improved, and may have even worsened. The only difference between now and then, is everybody has poor grammar now, whether you are rich or poor.

Another theme that is important is the independence of women, which was a big problem with little publicity in the time this play was written. By the end of the play, although Rowan believes that marrying Freddie constricts Eliza more, and therefore takes away from the theme of women's independence, but I disagree. I believe that Freddie was so head over heels in love with Eliza, and so easily tromped over by the other women in his life, Eliza would be happy with him, as he would not boss her around like Henry did. I also believe the fact that she left Henry instead of giving in to him was a large step for her.

Discussion #1: Characters

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.

Comparing Pygmalion to other stories

Blog Entry Question #2: How does Pygmalion compare to other books you've read?


Pygmalion is different than almost anything I've read before. Most older books featuring a woman and a man as the main characters, depict the woman being strong and independent to start out with, then progressively becomes the "ideal housewife", loosing all their independence to get married and stay at home. Even in modern novels with any sort of romance involved, the female protagonist usually starts out as someone who can generally take care of themselves fairly well, and is a well-spoken character. As soon as you add the boy in the book, though, they become sort of disorientated and get a sort of 'damsel in distress syndrome.'


What I enjoy about Pygmalion, is that they work backwards in a way, from what the other novels do in character development. Eliza starts out as a sniveling, whiny, flower girl, who begs on the street for money. She has independence, as she takes care of herself, but she seems as if she couldn't make a decision for herself. She seems to waver on her opinion, and be easily tempted with small things, like chocolates. (although, to be honest, I can understand that. Chocolates would definitely tempt me too.) But as the play proceeds on, Eliza learns how to grow a backbone. She is no longer easily swayed by the manipulative Henry Higgins, and outright refuses to return to him. She makes her own decisions and sticks with them, and becomes truly free and independent.

A Play That Speaks for Itself

Blog Entry Question #1: What are the main themes of the play?

Bernard Shaw, author of Pygmalion, wrote the play with a passion towards phonetics and the English language, and a clear message to convey. The play picks up on the issues associated with how horribly native English-speaking people butcher the English language. Bernard Shaw explored the British cockney accent of Eliza Doolittle, with the crude professor, Henry Higgins teaching her how to "speak beautifully, like a lady in a flower shop." (Act 2, page 34) Eliza's accent holds her back from progressing from selling flowers on the street to selling flowers in a shop. When she is taught how to speak english properly, she is passed off as a princess. It is proven, that with a bit of work at teaching her how to speak and act properly, the lowest, dirtiest person on the street can be turned into a beautiful duchess. One of the themes, therefore, is: with the use of proper language and pronunciation, comes class and intelligence.

Eliza before her English lessons, as a girl selling flowers on the street.

 
The play "Pygmalion" also shows Eliza's growth from a sniveling, poor woman, to a strong, independent woman. Eliza discusses about what is to be done with her since they made her into a lady saying: "I sold flowers. I didn't sell myself. Now You've made a lady of me I'm not fit to sell anything else." (Act 4, page 78). She refers to the fact, that now that she is like a higher class woman, she can no longer go back to selling flowers, as she would be thought to be above that, so she is forced to marry. This statement questions why women of higher class are only fit for marriage, when women of the working class have a wide variety of options of things they could do. Henry Higgins, nearing the end of the play, also argues with Eliza, trying to convince her to come back in his controlling manner. But Eliza, instead, leaves Henry Higgins for good, showing that her decisions are her own, and marries Freddy. So, two themes come out of this: rich versus poor, and women's rights and independence.

Eliza, as a classy, independent woman.