George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novel "Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts" by George Bernard Shaw. Specifically the paper discusses why the play is about turning a flower girl into a duchess, not about turning a woman into a human being. The paper shows how Eliza Doolittle changes in this play, but the play is not about turning her into a decent caring person, because she already is that. The paper notes that the real person turned into a decent human being in the play is Professor Higgins, who changes from a straight-laced, pompous bachelor to a man capable of love, and of seeing the needs of others, rather than just his own.

From the Paper:

" Now, the pocket change Higgins gave her would not even pay for a gown. Her lifestyle is changed, and it is so dramatic, how could she possibly go back to her drafty room and ragged clothing? There is no way she could do that, but there is little opportunity for her anywhere else, either. She is meant to take care of the absent-minded Higgins, and it is a task he has trained her for perfectly, although he cannot see it. Her transformation is complete when she helps Higgins transform and become the man, husband, and lover he is meant to be, and that is her purpose in this play."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Shaw, George Bernard. Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts. New York: Signet Classics, 1980.

More papers on George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion":

• Essay # 63929 : "George Bernard Shaw"
• Book Review # 94229 : "'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw"
• Book Review # 113493 : "Social Stereotypes in "Pygmalion"

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