Pygmalion Essay, Research Paper

In this day of repressive, unsavory humanity, where the young idolize the

lower classes, while the politically correct look down upon the elite, every

household should have a copy of this timeless tale. Although many scorn the

elite, it is they who preside over society. This book is as entertaining as it is

provocative. Often these two qualities do not harmonize, but in Pygmalion

they are conjugal. With its inclusion of religious issues, gender issues, social

issues, family issues, and other essential issues, Pygmalion is indeed a

masterpiece. The way the author exemplifies how poorly the ?lower class?

are treated is poignant. Since it is her speech and common manner that

presents Liza as “lower class”, when Higgins offers to help her in this area, it

is unquestionably an enchanting proposal to her. At first, owed to Higgins

relentless approach upon their first encounter on Wimpole Street, Liza is

reluctant to accept his offer. Treatment of this sort would certainly give rise to

doubt by any individual. Higgins is essentially an overgrown, socially

maladjusted adolescent with an intermittent dash of brilliance; he’s not

charming at all. I find pompously righteous characters like Higgins to add

character to any story. Nonetheless, her inspiration, to possibly be passed as

a duchess at the upcoming Embassy Ball, prompts Liza to accept; or maybe

it is just a path out of the streets for her. In any case, as Shaw often puts it

“Speech is the decipher of classes, not birth or position.” Shaw’s insinuation

that anyone can ascend to the upper levels of society by putting on a new

accent and nice clothes is brilliant. Liza?s transformation from ?guttersnipe? to

refined society girl lends hope to the common lower class community. I found

her parlor “audition” with Mrs. Higgins to be highly amusing. Indeed I would

not want to find myself in that predicament, yet graceful, dignified Mrs.

Higgins takes a liking to her just the same. The associated scene at the

racetrack in ?My Fair Lady? is humorous as well. To see the embarrassment

in Higgins face, as Liza coaxes the horses on, is priceless. Throughout the

story, the reader appreciates the disposition of Colonel Pickering. This fellow

linguist of Higgins? is portrayed as his antithesis; a gentle man cordial enough

to treat a common flower girl as a human, not just a mere venture. Peculiar,

however, is the fact that the personalities of these two men are agreeable, and

the two seem to readily affiliate with one another. Doolittle presents us with a

sort of in-between character. His manner is further refined than that of his

daughter, yet he still lacks the polished or distinguished personas of Higgins

and Pickering. From his initial introduction in the story, it is rather difficult to

take a liking to his character. It is apparent that he cares very little about the

welfare of his own daughter. He is more interested in obtaining a little

compensation for lending her to Higgins. However, when Higgins turns the

tables and tries to give her back, he changes his tune a bit. In the movie,

though, I was more partial to his character. His silly-hearted demeanor was

enjoyable to witness. In the end, to imagine the epitome of his anguish dealing

with upheaval to a wealthy life is a bit comical, poor soul. As the story

progresses, the relationship between Higgins and Liza gradually takes on new

structure. As Liza advances in her self-confidence and realizes that this man

treats everyone with indifferent contempt, Higgins seems to greater

appreciate her existence. He more or less welcomes her retorts. Much of the

humor incorporated in this story revolves around the squabbles between

these two characters. At times, I felt persuaded to believe that they would

end up marrying. Higgins? mockery of Freddy was certainly an indication of

this. He is seemingly jealous when Liza takes an interest in Freddy. I would

not have come to this conclusion had I initially watched the movie. This may

be related, in part, to the appearance of Mr. Higgins. I am well aware that my

inference is shallow, but the beauty of Liza far surpasses that of Higgins. The

underlying query right through the story is ?will she or won’t she pass the final

test of society?? However, ?what will happen to her after? is also profoundly

significant in the mind of Liza, as well as in the mind of the reader. I was

astonished when Liza chooses to leave the comforts offered to her by Higgins

and Pickering. This, in fact, is a remarkable display of her newfound

confidence. For her to go out into the world alone, rather than offer Higgins

the satisfaction of her dependence on him, is commendable. Her return to

Wimpole Street in the movie was, therefore, a little disappointing to me. In

short, Pygmalion is a one of a kind story that deserves a place of honor on

every bookshelf. It expresses how something as simple as a person’s accent

can determine his or her social status and economic opportunities. The

concluding argument, between compassion (Liza) and logic (Higgins) in

human relations, suits the story entirely.