Character Evolution in “Pygmalion”

“Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw is a play that delves deeply into themes of social class, identity, and transformation. Throughout the narrative, the characters undergo significant personal growth and evolution. Here, we will explore the key characters and their developmental arcs in detail.

Eliza Doolittle: From Flower Girl to Lady

Initial Condition

Eliza Doolittle begins as a poor, uneducated flower girl with a strong Cockney accent. She lives in the slums of London, surviving on meager earnings from selling flowers.

Transformation Process

Eliza undergoes a remarkable transformation after meeting Henry Higgins. Higgins, a professor of phonetics, makes a bet that he can teach her to speak like a duchess. The training is rigorous, involving countless hours of speech lessons. Eliza’s accent and manners slowly evolve, turning her into a convincing facsimile of a high-born lady.

Result

By the end of the play, Eliza’s transformation is not just linguistic but also psychological and social. She develops a new sense of self-respect and independence. No longer just a project for Higgins, she asserts her own identity, challenging the societal norms and expectations placed upon her.

Professor Henry Higgins: The Unchanging Teacher

Initial Attitude

Henry Higgins is an expert in phonetics, confident, and somewhat arrogant. He sees Eliza merely as an interesting challenge, a subject for an experiment in social mobility.

Interaction with Eliza

Throughout their interactions, Higgins remains largely unchanged in his attitude. He is dismissive of Eliza’s feelings and blind to the emotional impacts of his experiment.

Final Stance

Even as Eliza evolves, Higgins remains steadfast in his views and methods. His lack of personal growth highlights the play’s critique of social elitism and emotional disconnect.

Colonel Pickering: A Gentleman’s Journey

Initial Role

Colonel Pickering, a fellow phonetics enthusiast, initially appears as a gentleman with a kinder approach towards Eliza compared to Higgins.

Role in Eliza’s Transformation

Pickering treats Eliza with respect and dignity throughout her training, acting as a foil to Higgins’ abrasive methods. This treatment helps Eliza realize her worth beyond her social status.

Evolving Perspective

While Pickering does not undergo a drastic change, his constant support and gentlemanly behavior provide a moral backbone to the story. He represents the ideal balance of kindness and respect in social interactions.

Conclusion

The characters in Pygmalion showcase a range of human experiences and transformations. Eliza’s journey from a flower girl to an independent woman is the most dramatic, signifying the play’s themes of identity and social mobility. Higgins, with his unchanging demeanor, contrasts sharply with Eliza, emphasizing the rigidity of class structures and personal attitudes. Colonel Pickering, as the embodiment of gentleness and respect, offers a different view of how individuals can positively influence one another. Together, these characters reflect the complex interplay of societal norms, personal growth, and identity.

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