Pygmalion: A Critical Exploration of Language, Class, and Transformation

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 I am Kavita Chauhan , a student in department of English mkbu Bhavnagar.

This blog is a part of my B.A. study ,

Pygmalion: A Critical Exploration of Language, Class, and Transformation

Introduction

George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion (1913) is one of the most influential and thought-provoking plays in modern English literature. Inspired by the Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea, Shaw's play challenges the rigid structures of class, language, and identity. The play follows Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetician, who takes on the challenge of transforming Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, into a refined lady capable of speaking perfect English. Shaw’s satirical take on social mobility, gender roles, and linguistic determinism makes Pygmalion a timeless masterpiece that remains relevant even today.

About the Author: George Bernard Shaw;

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and political activist. A leading figure in modern drama, Shaw was known for his wit, social criticism, and sharp dialogues. His works, including Pygmalion, Man and Superman, and Saint Joan, often explore themes of class struggle, gender dynamics, and philosophical ideals. Shaw received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 for his contributions to drama and social thought.

Plot Summary

The play begins on a rainy evening in London, where Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl with a thick Cockney accent, encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics. Higgins boasts that he can train Eliza to speak proper English and pass her off as a duchess at a high-society event. Intrigued by the idea of improving her prospects, Eliza agrees to become his pupil.

Under Higgins' strict tutelage, Eliza undergoes rigorous speech and etiquette training. She struggles at first but eventually masters the refined speech and manners of the upper class. The ultimate test comes when she attends an ambassador’s party, where she successfully fools the elite into believing she is a lady of high birth. However, the transformation creates an existential crisis for Eliza—she is no longer a poor flower girl, but she also does not belong to the upper class.

The climax of the play sees Eliza asserting her independence from Higgins. She rejects his control over her and chooses to determine her own destiny, leading to an ambiguous but powerful ending. Unlike the romanticized endings of many transformation stories, Shaw deliberately leaves the fate of Eliza and Higgins open-ended, challenging the audience to consider the true meaning of self-worth and identity.

Themes in Pygmalion

1. Language as a Tool of Power

Shaw highlights how language is a key factor in determining social class and personal identity. Higgins' ability to change Eliza’s speech demonstrates how language is not just a means of communication but a social marker that defines a person’s position in society.

2. Social Class and Mobility

The play critiques the rigid British class system. Eliza’s journey shows that external markers of class, such as speech and dress, can be altered, but true social mobility remains elusive. Even after mastering refined speech, she struggles to find her place in society.

3. Feminism and Independence

Eliza’s transformation is not just about her speech but also about her self-respect and agency. She refuses to remain a mere creation of Higgins and asserts her own independence, making her one of Shaw’s most compelling female characters.

4. The Pygmalion Myth and Transformation

Shaw reinterprets the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion, where a sculptor falls in love with his own creation. However, unlike the original myth, Eliza does not submit to Higgins but instead becomes self-sufficient, subverting traditional gender roles.

Character Analysis

Eliza Doolittle

Eliza is the heart of the play. Initially a poor flower girl with no prospects, she evolves into an intelligent and independent woman. Her transformation is not just physical or linguistic but deeply psychological and emotional.

Henry Higgins

Higgins is an eccentric and self-absorbed professor of phonetics. While he is brilliant in his field, his treatment of Eliza is often insensitive. His inability to acknowledge Eliza’s humanity and emotional needs makes him a flawed yet fascinating character.

Colonel Pickering

Pickering, a fellow linguist, serves as a contrast to Higgins. While he shares Higgins’ interest in phonetics, he treats Eliza with respect and kindness, reinforcing the idea that transformation should be accompanied by dignity and compassion.

Alfred Doolittle

Eliza’s father, Alfred Doolittle, provides comic relief while also offering a sharp critique of societal hypocrisy. His unexpected rise from a poor dustman to a middle-class gentleman exposes the arbitrary nature of class distinctions.

Narrative Style and Literary Devices

Shaw’s Pygmalion is written in a witty and satirical tone. The play features:

• Irony: The idea that Eliza, a poor girl, can effortlessly fool high society into believing she is noble underscores the superficiality of class distinctions.

• Dialogue: The sharp and fast-paced exchanges between Higgins and Eliza highlight Shaw’s mastery of character-driven storytelling.

• Symbolism: Eliza’s changing wardrobe and refined speech symbolize her social metamorphosis but also her inner struggle for identity.

Critical Reception and Influence

Upon its release, Pygmalion was both praised and criticized for its social commentary. The play’s ending, which resists a conventional romantic resolution, frustrated some audiences but cemented Shaw’s reputation as a writer who challenged societal norms.

The play inspired multiple adaptations, most notably the musical My Fair Lady (1956), which added a romantic subplot between Eliza and Higgins. While immensely popular, the musical softened Shaw’s original feminist message. Pygmalion continues to be studied and performed worldwide, resonating with audiences for its critique of class, gender roles, and the power of language.

Conclusion

Pygmalion is far more than a simple story about a woman’s transformation—it is a profound exploration of identity, language, and social mobility. Shaw forces the audience to question whether changing one’s external characteristics truly alters one's place in society. The play’s feminist undertones and sharp social critique make it as relevant today as it was over a century ago. Through Eliza’s journey, Shaw champions the idea that true transformation is not about conforming to societal expectations but about self-discovery and independence.

References

• Shaw, George Bernard. Pygmalion. 1913.

• Holroyd, Michael. Bernard Shaw: The One-Volume Definitive Edition. Chatto & Windus, 1997.

• Innes, Christopher. The Cambridge Companion to George Bernard Shaw. Cambridge University Press, 1998.

• Kiberd, Declan. Inventing Ireland: The Literature of the Modern Nation. Harvard University Press, 1996.

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