Pygmalion (Greek myth)

Strengths of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" include its exploration of social class and gender roles, its wit and humor, and its memorable characters. Weaknesses may include some outdated views on gender and class, and the lack of a definitive resolution for some characters' arcs.

She is invited to his mothers box at Ascot as a guest of Professor Higgins

To a degree, yes. When he and Higgins first tell Mrs. Higgins about Eliza, both become very animated in describing their work on the project. However, Pickering, unlike Higgins, acknowledges Eliza's part in the event, instead of taking all the credit for himself and Higgins.

In Act 3 of Pygmalion, Shaw satirizes the superficiality of high society and their obsession with wealth, appearance and social status. He also critiques the limitations placed on individuals based on their class and the lack of social mobility in society. Additionally, Shaw highlights the hypocrisy of the elite who claim to value morality and manners but exhibit behavior that contradicts those values.

The humor arises from Higgins assuming control over Eliza's speech and imposing arbitrary restrictions on her conversation. It highlights his overbearing nature and disregard for Eliza's autonomy, while also revealing his tendency to prioritize his own comfort and preferences over her well-being. This control and manipulation in their dynamic adds a comedic element to their interactions.

Stories similar to Pygmalion and Galatea include "Beauty and the Beast," where love transforms a beast into a prince, and "My Fair Lady," a musical adaptation of Pygmalion where a professor transforms a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady. These stories share the theme of transformation and the power of love to change someone's identity.

Higgins tempts Eliza to say "the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain" in order to improve her pronunciation and accent in the play "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw.

Eliza living with Higgins in Pygmalion is considered scandalous because of the apparent impropriety of a young, unmarried woman cohabiting with a bachelor. This arrangement challenges social norms around gender roles and propriety, leading to gossip and judgment from others in their society. The close relationship between Eliza and Higgins also blurs traditional boundaries between teacher and student, raising questions about their true feelings for each other.

In Greek mythology, Erebus was the personification of darkness, representing the shadowy realm that preceded the appearance of light. Erebus was believed to be the offspring of Chaos, the primeval void from which all creation emerged.

In Act II of "Pygmalion," Eliza displays empathy and emotional intelligence, while Higgins appears to lack sensitivity and consideration for others' feelings. Eliza shows compassion toward others and demonstrates a deeper understanding of human emotions, which is a quality that Higgins struggles to comprehend or appreciate.

The bath scene involving Mrs. Pearce and Liza in "Pygmalion" serves as a symbol of Liza's transformation from a lower-class flower girl to a refined lady. It highlights the contrast between her former dirty and unkempt appearance to her now clean and elegant self, representing her journey towards social mobility and acceptance into higher society. Additionally, the scene underscores the theme of the importance of outward appearances in shaping one's identity and how presentation can influence one's social standing.

George Bernard Shaw wrote Pygmalion as a critique of the British class system and a commentary on issues of social status, identity, and gender equality.The play also explores the themes of language and phonetics, reflecting Shaw's interest in the power and influence of speech.

The climax in Pygmalion occurs when Eliza finally stands up to Higgins and asserts her independence by walking away from him. This moment marks a major turning point in their relationship and highlights Eliza's growth and transformation as a character.

Symbols:

The ring: representation of love and a binding agreement (thrown away by Higgins and retrieved by Eliza)

Pickering: the model for a true gentleman

Higgins: the inability to change an inlaid trait

Money: the difference between character, class and conformity

Motif: upper class morality

Slippers: Higgins misplaced them the first time- Eliza silently placed the slippers by his feet. (she respected him). The second time on the other hand, Eliza is furious at Higgins and throws the slippers at him (she loses respect for him)

Pygmalion prayed to Venus to give him a wife as beautiful as his own statue that he had created.

In Pygmalion, the mention of midnight symbolizes the conclusion or turning point of an event or situation. It represents a moment of climax, decision, or revelation for the characters. Additionally, it can signify a transition from one state to another, such as from ignorance to knowledge or from illusion to reality.

In the story "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw, Henry Higgins has a complicated relationship with Eliza Doolittle. While he does not initially show traditional romantic love for her, he does develop a deep attachment and appreciation for her as a student and as a person.

Pygmalion is still popular because of its timeless themes, such as class distinctions and the transformative power of education and self-improvement. The play's engaging characters and witty dialogue also continue to resonate with audiences, making it a classic that remains relevant in modern society.

Pygmalion is a story written by George Berhard Shaw, you can find the book in your library, or see the movie, My Fair Lady.

The rain shower in Pygmalion serves as a plot device that leads to the transformation of Eliza Doolittle. The rain ruins her clothes, prompting Professor Higgins to provide her with new ones. This event marks a turning point in Eliza's character development as she begins to see her potential for change and improvement.

In Act 5 of "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw, characters include Professor Henry Higgins, Eliza Doolittle, Colonel Pickering, Mrs. Higgins, and Alfred Doolittle. The act focuses on the aftermath of Eliza's transformation and her decision to leave Higgins' home for a more independent life.

A comedy through and through, in my opinion. Though, you may meet someone who disagrees. If you have ever seen My Fair Lady, you'll get the gist of Pygmalion and can decide for yourself if you think it's funny, without the sometimes untranslatable Shakespeare lingo clouding your thoughts.

In "Pygmalion," Pickering serves as a foil to Higgins by contrasting his more refined and gentlemanly manners with Higgins' brash and arrogant personality. Pickering's respectful treatment of Eliza and his willingness to mentor her with kindness highlights Higgins' rude and insensitive behavior. By presenting Pickering as a more compassionate and considerate character, Shaw underscores the flaws in Higgins' character and emphasizes the impact of kindness and respect in human relationships.

Pygmalion becomes consumed by his love for the statue he created and treats it like a real person, even offering it gifts and speaking to it as if it were alive. He prays to the goddess Aphrodite for the statue to come to life, and eventually, his wish is granted.

In "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw, Eliza's transformation from a flower girl to a "lady" introduces her to a new way of life that ultimately changes her identity and challenges her independence. While she gains the respect and admiration of others, this transformation also poses a threat to her sense of self and freedom as she grapples with her new social status and relationships. The pressure to conform to societal expectations and the loss of her former identity as a working-class woman create tension and inner conflict in Eliza's life.