Pygmalion Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover key characters, themes, and quotes from the play Pygmalion, along with analyses of social issues depicted in the work.

Eliza

A character who expresses frustration about self-centeredness in others, stating: 'Oh you’ve no feeling heart in you: you don’t care for nothing but yourself.'

Higgins

A character who represents elitism, noted for his snobbish remark about not cutting off old friends after social ascent.

Mrs. Pearce

A character exhibiting maternal concern for Eliza, saying 'Nonsense, sir. You mustn't talk like that to her.'

Pygmalion (Myth)

A story that reveals Pygmalion's fears and disdain towards women, associating them with vice.

Metamorphoses

A collection of myths illustrating human transformations and the unpredictable nature of gods, notably authored by Ovid.

Metamorphosis

The process of transformation, either naturally or supernaturally, from one stage of life to another.

George Bernard Shaw

Irish playwright born on July 26, 1856, known for his socialist views and advocacy for various social reforms.

Eliza Armstrong case

A scandal from 1885 where a mother sold her daughter into prostitution, impacting societal views on morality.

Victorian Morality

A cultural ethos emphasizing strict class order, duty, and propriety over personal enjoyment.

Romance in Literature

A genre that encompasses love, chivalry, and fantastical adventures or disregards realism to describe unlikely events.

Shaw's Beliefs

Advocated for worker's rights, healthcare, women's suffrage, and the end of inherited privilege.

Higgins characteristics

An arrogant linguistic expert dedicated to educating Eliza to speak like an upper-class lady.

Act 1 Summary

Introduces Eliza selling flowers during a rainy night and Higgins's interest in her dialect.

Act 2 Summary

Highlights Eliza asking for speech lessons and the bet made between Higgins and Pickering.

Act 3 Summary

Features Eliza at a Garden party, showcasing the importance of language in social perception.

Act 4 Summary

Eliza becomes frustrated by Higgins's lack of recognition for her growth and contemplates independence.

Act 5 Summary

Shows Eliza returning to her own plans and considering marriage with Freddy.

Sequel Summary

Explores the challenges of Eliza and Freddy in their flower shop and their social struggles.

Higgins Quote

'The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.'

Eliza Quote

'I sold flowers. I didn’t sell myself. I’m a good girl, I am!'

Doolittle Quote

'I’m one of the undeserving poor.' Reflects his humorous yet blunt view on class.

Pickering Quote

'I assure you, Miss Doolittle, that you shall be treated as a lady.' A polite expression of respect.

Mrs. Higgins Quote

Critiques Higgins, suggesting a deep social awareness.

Freddy Quote

'I shall miss you, Eliza.' Demonstrates romantic naivety.

Clara Quote

'People will think we never go anywhere or see anybody if you are so old-fashioned' showing pretentiousness.

Ms. Pearce Quote

'You must be particularly careful about your language before the girl.' Highlights concern for propriety.

Voice Clue: Higgins

Arrogant, intellectual, and obsessed with language.

Voice Clue: Eliza

Emotional and defensive initially, then grows confident.

Voice Clue: Doolittle

Philosophical, humorous, and blunt about class inequalities.

Voice Clue: Pickering

Courteous and gentlemanly in manner.

Voice Clue: Mrs. Higgins

Intelligent and critical of her son's behavior.

Voice Clue: Freddy

Romantic and gentle, though naïve.

Voice Clue: Clara

Portrayed as pretentious and shallow.

Fast Recognition Tip: Higgins

Identify as the arrogant linguistic expert.

Fast Recognition Tip: Pickering

Recognize as the respectful gentleman.

Fast Recognition Tip: Eliza

Note as the emotional working-class voice.

Fast Recognition Tip: Doolittle

Classify as the funny and philosophical character.

Fast Recognition Tip: Mrs. Higgins

Identify as the smart and critical figure.

Fast Recognition Tip: Freddy

Recognize as the romantic character.

Fast Recognition Tip: Clara

Identify as pretentious.

Fast Recognition Tip: Mrs. Eynsford-Hill

Characterized as socially concerned.

Influence of Henrik Ibsen

Shaw was significantly influenced by the works of Ibsen.

Awards and Recognition

Shaw won a Nobel Prize for literature in 1925 and rejected many awards.

Modern Realism

Shaw pioneered modern realism, incorporating humor into dramas.

Pygmalion Context

Inspired by the Eliza Armstrong case, reflecting social injustices.

Eliza Armstrong Parallels

Real-life events resonate with Doolittle's bargain for Eliza, highlighting social issues.

Ms. Higgens vs. Ms. Pearce

Distinguish their critiques of Higgins based on tone and depth.

Social Behavior Observation

Ms. Higgens comments on social behavior and societal manners.

Censorship of Ms. Warren's Profession

Shaw's play faced censorship while addressing serious social issues.