Is A Romance in Five Acts an accurate description of the play Pygmalion?

Answer 1

I consider 'Pygmalion' an unusual play that does not conform to the traditional romance. For instance, in Act I, the introduction of the main characters, Eliza and Higgins, is not typical as in other romances where characters fall in love from the start of the play. Eliza does not fall in love with him at first sight, love is not present from the beginning, as in traditional romances. The protagonist, Eliza, is described as not being a romantic figure at all. The male protagonist, Higgins, calls Eliza a "squashed cabbage leaf",while she can do no better than "Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-ow-oo" back at him. The impression she makes on him is abstract (as an interesting phonetic subject), while that which he makes on her is monetary (he throws her some change). Thus, such impression may aniticipate that love between Eliza and Higgins will not take place and they will not end together. In fact, Shaw's intention is to reverse the myth of Pygmalion since the play does not end happily, that is to say, with Eliza and Higgins together. What is more, 'Pygmalion' is very similar to Shaw's own life. Actually, he had a frustated marriage. Perhaps, Shaw wanted to show his own love experience, an unconventional romance, different from the traditional Fairy Tales, and leave the end open to the audience's imagination.