Shaws Pygmalion: character Eliza
The power of language is one of the themes present in Bernard Shaw'splay, Pygmalion. Through the radical transformation of Eliza, Shaw isdemonstrating not only the importance of language but he is also statingthat speech was pivotal in regards to social distinctions. However, healso indicates that while proper speech was a necessity for upwardmobility, proper manners were necessary as well. To emphasize the clash between social distinctions, Shaw contrastsdifferent aspects of class through how characters speak and dress. Forinstance, Doolittle is visits Higgins and Pickering dressed as a "dustman"(130), who has a "professional flavor of dust about him" (133).Additionally, Higgins is "overwhelmed by the proximity" of Doolittle. Shawfurther reinforces the distinctions between classes by having Doolittleadmit that he is "One of the undeserving poor" (134). He is also wellaware of the fact that even though he has needs just as everyone else, heis of lower-class status and is therefore undeserving" (134).
She even tells Higgins that shemight even teach phonetics as a means of survival. In conclusion, Shaw successfully demonstrates the power of language inPygmalion. Eliza's development provides evidence that anyone, with a littleeffort can redefine him or herself and thus become a social success. She decides that if theupper class is filled with snobs such as Higgins, she is better off withFreddy. When reciting her alphabet, heraccent makes her words almost unintelligible. ally, when Eliza appears before her father, cleaned up and dressedexquisitely, he does not recognize her. As herspeech becomes more refined, her words become grammatically correct. For instance, theapostrophe is missing from words such as aint, wont and Ive. Shawreveals how speech is essential for success, but he also indicates theimportance of human civility as well. She becomes aware of Higgins' arrogance and is determined thatshe can become a success without him. This becomes clearby the end of the play. His commentary on the upper class iscomplex and straightforward, leaving us to decide what it is that turnsEliza into a refined lady. Eliza learns a great deal about herself and society within thesix months she spends with Higgins, Pickering, and Mrs.
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