Pygmalion Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key characters, concepts, and themes from the lecture on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, focusing on their definitions and implications within the text.

Eliza

A character who feels neglected and is frustrated by the indifference of those around her.

Higgins

A character who represents snobbery and believes in the importance of social class.

Victorian Morality

A moral standard characterized by strict class order and a focus on duty over personal enjoyment.

Metamorphoses

A series of myths illustrating transformation and the capriciousness of the gods.

Metamorphosis

The process of transformation from immature to adult, either naturally or supernaturally.

George Bernard Shaw

An Irish playwright known for his socialist ideas and critique of society.

Pygmalion Myth

A myth where the creator falls in love with a statue he created, reflecting themes of transformation and desire.

Doolittle

A character who embraces the identity of the 'undeserving poor' and critiques middle-class morality.

Class Genteel

A social class characterized by refinement and distinction in behavior.

Henry Sweet

An inspiration for the character Henry Higgins, emphasizing phonetics.

Romance in Literature

Fiction featuring love and adventure, often deviating from realistic norms.

Act 1 Summary

Introduces Eliza selling flowers outside St. Paul’s Church and Higgins's interest in her dialect.

Act 5 Summary

Concludes with Eliza asserting her independence and choosing to marry Freddy.

Higgins’s Voice Clues

Arrogant and intellectual, obsessed with language and its nuances.

Mrs. Pearce

A character concerned with propriety and protecting Eliza's dignity.

Eliza's Transformation

A journey from a flower girl to a confident woman, highlighting social mobility.

Sequel Summary

Depicts the struggles of Eliza and Freddy while referencing the Pygmalion myth.