What is the historical background of Pygmalion?

Answer 1

"Pygmalion" is a play by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913, inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with a statue he created. Shaw's adaptation focuses on themes of social class, identity, and transformation, centering on the relationship between Professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl whom he trains to speak and behave like a lady. The play critiques the rigid British class system and explores the nature of human relationships and personal growth. Shaw's work reflects the social changes of the early 20th century, emphasizing the potential for individuals to transcend their backgrounds.