Allegory
Definition: a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
In the play, Shaw is portrays the allegory that "looks can be deceiving". The reason being is throughout the play, Eliza is transformed from a "common flower girl" to a duchess. In Act I, she is looked down on by Higgins, the phonetics teacher, because she was poor and dirty. However, when Eliza came to him in the hopes of receiving grammar lessons, he only accepts her request to fulfill the bet he made with his colleague, Colonel Pickering. After Eliza's transformation, Higgins continues to treat Eliza poorly and does not acknowledge her as a lady, let alone a human being. Thus, it is evident that Shaw's purpose was to argue that even though Eliza's speech and appearance changed, she is still the same person that she was before everything had happened.
In the play, Shaw is portrays the allegory that "looks can be deceiving". The reason being is throughout the play, Eliza is transformed from a "common flower girl" to a duchess. In Act I, she is looked down on by Higgins, the phonetics teacher, because she was poor and dirty. However, when Eliza came to him in the hopes of receiving grammar lessons, he only accepts her request to fulfill the bet he made with his colleague, Colonel Pickering. After Eliza's transformation, Higgins continues to treat Eliza poorly and does not acknowledge her as a lady, let alone a human being. Thus, it is evident that Shaw's purpose was to argue that even though Eliza's speech and appearance changed, she is still the same person that she was before everything had happened.
Allusion
Definition: an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference
In Act I, Higgins "hearing in it the voice of God, rebuking him for his Pharisaic want of charity to the poor girl", throws a handful of money into Eliza's basket. With this, Shaw is alluding to the Bible, as Higgins's actions are being referred to as "Pharisaic". In the Bible, the Pharisees were a Jewish sect that were accused of adhering to the letter of the scripture, but not the spirit. Thus, his actions were "self-righteous" but "hypocritical" because he only gave Eliza money because he heard the voice of God, but did not want to do so inside.
Another allusion made in the story is made in Act II when Higgins gives his first lesson to Eliza. He says, "This unfortunate animal has been locked up for nine years in school at our expense to teach her to teach and read the language or Shakespear and Milton." In this quotation, Shaw is alluding to famous European writers whose works have been a great importance in literature. He mocks the idea that children are put in school to learn how to read Shakespeare and Milton, but instead are educated to speak poorly.
In Act I, Higgins "hearing in it the voice of God, rebuking him for his Pharisaic want of charity to the poor girl", throws a handful of money into Eliza's basket. With this, Shaw is alluding to the Bible, as Higgins's actions are being referred to as "Pharisaic". In the Bible, the Pharisees were a Jewish sect that were accused of adhering to the letter of the scripture, but not the spirit. Thus, his actions were "self-righteous" but "hypocritical" because he only gave Eliza money because he heard the voice of God, but did not want to do so inside.
Another allusion made in the story is made in Act II when Higgins gives his first lesson to Eliza. He says, "This unfortunate animal has been locked up for nine years in school at our expense to teach her to teach and read the language or Shakespear and Milton." In this quotation, Shaw is alluding to famous European writers whose works have been a great importance in literature. He mocks the idea that children are put in school to learn how to read Shakespeare and Milton, but instead are educated to speak poorly.
Antagonist
Definition: a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary
The antagonist of the play is society. The reason being is because the whole play is based on the fact that society is corrupt and creates stereotypes of people. For example, Eliza wants to become a lady in order to leave her past of being a poor flower girl behind and instead, owning her own flower shop. Even though she is selling flowers in both scenarios, society is more accepting of the fact that she owns a flower shop rather than being in the streets and begging people for money. Thus, Shaw makes an argument that it is society's fault as to why Eliza is seeking for help. If society was more accepting of individuals for who they are and not what they look like or own, then she would not have needed the lessons and transformation from Higgins. However, this is not the case as the novel highlights the idea that society is cruel and judgmental. In addition, the status of women in society is so low that they have to make something of themselves before they are accepted as being equal to men. |
Burlesque
Definition: a literary, dramatic, or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects
After Higgins and Pickering make the bet, Eliza is taken by Mrs. Pearce for a bath. This scene in Act II is considered a burlesque because it makes fun of Eliza's fear of a common hygienic practice. However, since Eliza is poor, she is not used to the luxury of being able to bathe. In the play, she says, "It's not natural: it would kill me. I've never had a bath in my life: not what you'd call a proper one." and "I've never took off all my clothes before. It's not right: it's not decent." With this, Shaw is trying to make a comedic scene, as the readers, who bathe normally, would find it funny that Eliza is scared of such a harmless action.
After Higgins and Pickering make the bet, Eliza is taken by Mrs. Pearce for a bath. This scene in Act II is considered a burlesque because it makes fun of Eliza's fear of a common hygienic practice. However, since Eliza is poor, she is not used to the luxury of being able to bathe. In the play, she says, "It's not natural: it would kill me. I've never had a bath in my life: not what you'd call a proper one." and "I've never took off all my clothes before. It's not right: it's not decent." With this, Shaw is trying to make a comedic scene, as the readers, who bathe normally, would find it funny that Eliza is scared of such a harmless action.
Cacophony
Definition: a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
In the play, Shaw uses cacophony through Eliza. Whenever Eliza was upset after being made fun of, she would respond with "Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-oo". Through the use of this literary device, Shaw is able to portray Eliza's immaturity and lack of manners. Since she was raised by Mr. Doolittle, a corrupt man, she lacked the proper upbringing that should have taught her how to act around others. However, because she lacked these lessons, she would scream and make terrible sounds whenever she was ridiculed and offended. Aside from this, Eliza was known for making other sounds in her speech, especially before she was given lessons by Higgins. For example, her alphabet was improper as she pronounced each letter with a harsh tone of voice, such as "Ahyee, Be-yee, Ce-yee, Deyee".
In the play, Shaw uses cacophony through Eliza. Whenever Eliza was upset after being made fun of, she would respond with "Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-oo". Through the use of this literary device, Shaw is able to portray Eliza's immaturity and lack of manners. Since she was raised by Mr. Doolittle, a corrupt man, she lacked the proper upbringing that should have taught her how to act around others. However, because she lacked these lessons, she would scream and make terrible sounds whenever she was ridiculed and offended. Aside from this, Eliza was known for making other sounds in her speech, especially before she was given lessons by Higgins. For example, her alphabet was improper as she pronounced each letter with a harsh tone of voice, such as "Ahyee, Be-yee, Ce-yee, Deyee".
CharacterizationDefinition: the act of characterizing or characterizing the individual quality of a person or thing
In the play, the characters were each characterized by class and intelligence. Eliza Doolittle, was referred to as a "common flower girl" because she was out in the streets selling flowers and lives in poverty. Her father, Mr. Doolittle, is portrayed as a corrupt and judgmental man who opposed "middle class morality" and enjoyed pick pocketing others for money. Higgins is known as a "professor of phonetics" who is a bully and is self-centered. He did not care for Eliza's feelings, even though he had feelings for her deep down inside. Mrs. Pearce, although a maid, is known as the moral character in the story as she makes comments towards Higgins and Pickering about the way they treated Eliza. Colonel Pickering is characterized as a rich man who is a colleague of Higgins. He is responsible for paying all of the expenses required for transforming Eliza into a duchess. The Eynsford-Hills are a dysfunctional family who try to fit in with upper class society, even though they are poor. Mrs. Higgins is part of the higher class society and has a strained relationship with her son. With all these specific traits and qualities given to each character, Shaw uses characterization to define the flaws of society and class. |
Climax
Definition: the turning point of a narrative work in which is the highest point of tension or drama before the solution is given
The climax of the play occurs in Act IV, when Eliza realizes that Higgins does not care for her and only thinks of her as his "experiment". This occurs after Higgins wins his bet with Pickering as Eliza successfully tricks people in thinking that she is a duchess. Upon returning to the laboratory, Higgins looks for his slippers but cannot find them. Eliza then places them next to his feet and Higgins act as of they appeared out of nowhere. Higgins and Pickering discuss the results of the experiment and how they became bored of it. They ignore the fact that Eliza is in the room and continue to talk badly about her. This is when Eliza realizes that Higgins only thinks of her as important as his slippers. She then throws his slippers at him and they get into a heated argument.
The climax of the play occurs in Act IV, when Eliza realizes that Higgins does not care for her and only thinks of her as his "experiment". This occurs after Higgins wins his bet with Pickering as Eliza successfully tricks people in thinking that she is a duchess. Upon returning to the laboratory, Higgins looks for his slippers but cannot find them. Eliza then places them next to his feet and Higgins act as of they appeared out of nowhere. Higgins and Pickering discuss the results of the experiment and how they became bored of it. They ignore the fact that Eliza is in the room and continue to talk badly about her. This is when Eliza realizes that Higgins only thinks of her as important as his slippers. She then throws his slippers at him and they get into a heated argument.
Complications
Definition: something that makes something harder to understand, explain, or deal with
Some of the complications in the play involve the difficulty in dealing with Eliza and the complication of trying to understand Higgins's feelings. During Eliza's lessons, she was hard to work with as she often complained and was offended whenever corrected. For example, when Higgins told her to correct how she says the alphabet, she claims that she is saying it the same as him. However, she fails to realize that her tone and pronunciation is unpleasant and harsh. In addition, when Mrs. Pearce tried giving her a bath, she refused to take her clothes off and get into the tub. Thus, she made the process harder as she was afraid of something harmless. Furthermore, Higgins serves as a complication as he does not fully express his feelings for Eliza. Throughout the novel, he treats Eliza as if she meant nothing to him. However, deep down inside, he was in love with her, but failed to express his feelings due to his arrogance.
Some of the complications in the play involve the difficulty in dealing with Eliza and the complication of trying to understand Higgins's feelings. During Eliza's lessons, she was hard to work with as she often complained and was offended whenever corrected. For example, when Higgins told her to correct how she says the alphabet, she claims that she is saying it the same as him. However, she fails to realize that her tone and pronunciation is unpleasant and harsh. In addition, when Mrs. Pearce tried giving her a bath, she refused to take her clothes off and get into the tub. Thus, she made the process harder as she was afraid of something harmless. Furthermore, Higgins serves as a complication as he does not fully express his feelings for Eliza. Throughout the novel, he treats Eliza as if she meant nothing to him. However, deep down inside, he was in love with her, but failed to express his feelings due to his arrogance.
Crisis
Definition: a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger
In the play, a time of crisis is after the Ambassador's Party, when Higgins finally won the bet. After returning to Wimpole Street, Eliza gets into a heated argument with Higgins about the entire experiment and what he truly thinks of her. She realizes that this experiment was a mistake and that there is nothing to become of her after her transformation. Specifically, she says, "I sold flowers. I didn't sell myself. Now you've made a lady of me I'm not fit to sell anything else. I wish you'd left me where you found me." With this, it is evident that Eliza doesn't know what to do after her transformation as she cannot go back to her old life and does not have the money to continue living the life that she has been living for the past six months. |
Denouement
Definition: the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved
The denouement of the play reveals the fate of all the characters. It can be viewed in two different ways, depending on the reader's preference. At the end of Act V, Eliza tells Higgins that she plans to marry Freddy and leaves him after her carriage arrives. She also says that Higgins will be lost without her as she knew everything about him. For example, her final saying in the play is, "What you are to do without me I cannot imagine." With this ending, readers are left to wonder whether or not she will actually marry Freddy or fall in love in Higgins. However, in the sequel, which is the "true" ending, Eliza marries Freddy and together they open a flower shop. They struggle financially but make it work with the help of Pickering. In addition, Higgins remains a bachelor and Eliza struggles with the idea that she cannot be with him because it was never meant to be.
The denouement of the play reveals the fate of all the characters. It can be viewed in two different ways, depending on the reader's preference. At the end of Act V, Eliza tells Higgins that she plans to marry Freddy and leaves him after her carriage arrives. She also says that Higgins will be lost without her as she knew everything about him. For example, her final saying in the play is, "What you are to do without me I cannot imagine." With this ending, readers are left to wonder whether or not she will actually marry Freddy or fall in love in Higgins. However, in the sequel, which is the "true" ending, Eliza marries Freddy and together they open a flower shop. They struggle financially but make it work with the help of Pickering. In addition, Higgins remains a bachelor and Eliza struggles with the idea that she cannot be with him because it was never meant to be.
Dramatic Irony
Definition: irony that is inherent in speeches or a situation of drama and is understood by the audience but is not grasped by the characters in the play
A form of dramatic irony within the play occurs during the Ambassador's party. In this scene, Nepomuck and the hostess think that Eliza is Hungarian and is of "royal blood". The irony with this scene is the fact that the audience knows that she is not a duchess. However, it is comedic to the reader as it is a foolish thing for the characters to believe that Eliza is royalty even though she is just a "common flower girl".
A form of dramatic irony within the play occurs during the Ambassador's party. In this scene, Nepomuck and the hostess think that Eliza is Hungarian and is of "royal blood". The irony with this scene is the fact that the audience knows that she is not a duchess. However, it is comedic to the reader as it is a foolish thing for the characters to believe that Eliza is royalty even though she is just a "common flower girl".
EffectDefinition: a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause
This literary device is used in the play during the scene when Eliza finally realizes that Higgins only thinks of her as much as a slipper. The reason being is because after Eliza's kind efforts to find Higgins's slippers, he ignores the fact that she is the one who brought it and acts as if she was not around. As a result of his rudeness, Eliza snaps and argues with him. She changes her attitude and throws his slippers at him. In addition, she also returns the ring and other jewelry that Higgins and Pickering buy for her. With this, Eliza changes from an obedient student to a rebellious "lady" as she finally realizes that women should be respected. |
Fabian Socialism
Definition: purpose is to advance the principles of socialism via gradualist and reformist means
Fabian socialism is depicted in the play as Shaw was a supporter of the movement. The goal of the Fabian society was to have ultimate power over world trade and discouraged individual ownership of businesses .In the play, Shaw depicts these views by making Higgins's the Fabian society and Eliza world trade. The reason being is because Higgins's purpose is to change Eliza from being an independent flower girl to becoming something of his work. During the entire six months, Eliza basically becomes Higgins's property as he changes the way she speaks, dressed, and acted. In the end, he left her to be fit for nothing which evidently, is the goal of Fabian socialism, as the supporters wanted power.
Fabian socialism is depicted in the play as Shaw was a supporter of the movement. The goal of the Fabian society was to have ultimate power over world trade and discouraged individual ownership of businesses .In the play, Shaw depicts these views by making Higgins's the Fabian society and Eliza world trade. The reason being is because Higgins's purpose is to change Eliza from being an independent flower girl to becoming something of his work. During the entire six months, Eliza basically becomes Higgins's property as he changes the way she speaks, dressed, and acted. In the end, he left her to be fit for nothing which evidently, is the goal of Fabian socialism, as the supporters wanted power.
Foreshadowing
Definition: when the author hints as to what is to come
In the play, Shaw foreshadows events by having the characters express hints in their speech. One example is when Higgins and Pickering first make the bet. In Act II, Mrs. Pearce, being the character of great sense and morality says, "But whats to become of her?" Furthermore, when Higgins introduces Eliza to his mother, Mrs. Higgins also says, "No, you two infinitely stupid male creatures: the problem of what is to be done with her afterwards." Thus, with Shaw's use of repetition, he sheds light on the idea that Eliza's future is at risk. Since Higgins and Pickering only agreed to teach Eliza because of the bet, they overlooked the idea that Eliza is an actual person and once they are done with her, they cannot just throw her away. Evidently, the result of the idea that the author foreshadows is Eliza's marriage to Freddy and the opening of their flower shop.
In the play, Shaw foreshadows events by having the characters express hints in their speech. One example is when Higgins and Pickering first make the bet. In Act II, Mrs. Pearce, being the character of great sense and morality says, "But whats to become of her?" Furthermore, when Higgins introduces Eliza to his mother, Mrs. Higgins also says, "No, you two infinitely stupid male creatures: the problem of what is to be done with her afterwards." Thus, with Shaw's use of repetition, he sheds light on the idea that Eliza's future is at risk. Since Higgins and Pickering only agreed to teach Eliza because of the bet, they overlooked the idea that Eliza is an actual person and once they are done with her, they cannot just throw her away. Evidently, the result of the idea that the author foreshadows is Eliza's marriage to Freddy and the opening of their flower shop.
Irony
Definition: a technique of indicating, as through character or plot
development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated Irony, although can be defined in several forms such as dramatic, verbal, and situational, can also be viewed in literature through plot development. This means that the entire work can be ironic as what is expected to be the ending does not actually happen. In the play, the whole irony is the fact that the play can be viewed as a "fairy tale". Because the story is similar to other "princess" stories, most readers think that Higgins and Eliza are going to end up falling in love with one another. This is the typical storyline of a rich man picking up a poor girl and turning her into a princess or in this case, a duchess. However, Shaw, who created his novel as a romance but with a twist, decides to leave readers with a cliff hanger in Act V. In the sequel, he ties the story together by making Eliza marry Freddy, the complete opposite of what most optimistic readers would want. Thus, this is the irony as it is completely not what the readers expect. Instead, it shows the reality of the story over the fairytale version. |
Metaphor
Definition: a figure of speech that identifies something as being the same as some unrelated thing for rhetorical effect thus highlighting the similarities between the two
A metaphor in the play is when Higgins refers to Eliza as a "squashed cabbage leaf". In Act V, they are in Mrs. Higgins's home discussing what is to become of Eliza. Higgins then says, "I tell you I have created this thing out of the squashed cabbage leaves of Covent Garden; and now she pretends to be a fine lady with me." With this remark, Shaw uses a metaphor by making Eliza say, "Oh, I'm only a squashed cabbage leaf." Thus, even though a person is not a cabbage leaf, the comparison being made is that Eliza was trash before Higgins transformed her. This metaphor is used to highlight the idea that the Eliza changed dramatically as a character and Higgins uses the metaphor to make a vivid comparison of the effectiveness of his work, as she is now a lady.
A metaphor in the play is when Higgins refers to Eliza as a "squashed cabbage leaf". In Act V, they are in Mrs. Higgins's home discussing what is to become of Eliza. Higgins then says, "I tell you I have created this thing out of the squashed cabbage leaves of Covent Garden; and now she pretends to be a fine lady with me." With this remark, Shaw uses a metaphor by making Eliza say, "Oh, I'm only a squashed cabbage leaf." Thus, even though a person is not a cabbage leaf, the comparison being made is that Eliza was trash before Higgins transformed her. This metaphor is used to highlight the idea that the Eliza changed dramatically as a character and Higgins uses the metaphor to make a vivid comparison of the effectiveness of his work, as she is now a lady.
Mood
Definition: one element in the narrative structure of a piece of literature; can also be referred to as atmosphere because it creates an emotional setting enveloping the reader
The overall mood of the play is meant to be comedic and happy because it appears to be a fairy tale. However, with the portrayal of serious topics, such as feminism and social class, the mood is serious yet sad as the reality is depressing. With the motive of the play being that Eliza is transformed into a duchess, the process is meant to be funny as Eliza is depicted as clueless and stupid. With her fear of taking off her clothes and taking a bath, Shaw makes the play into a comedy as she is afraid of harmless and common activities done by people everyday. Meanwhile, in scenes including when Eliza talks about how her mother had to get her father drunk in order for him to be "approachable", the mood is transformed to melancholic. The reason being is because the reality of the situation makes readers feel bad for Eliza.
The overall mood of the play is meant to be comedic and happy because it appears to be a fairy tale. However, with the portrayal of serious topics, such as feminism and social class, the mood is serious yet sad as the reality is depressing. With the motive of the play being that Eliza is transformed into a duchess, the process is meant to be funny as Eliza is depicted as clueless and stupid. With her fear of taking off her clothes and taking a bath, Shaw makes the play into a comedy as she is afraid of harmless and common activities done by people everyday. Meanwhile, in scenes including when Eliza talks about how her mother had to get her father drunk in order for him to be "approachable", the mood is transformed to melancholic. The reason being is because the reality of the situation makes readers feel bad for Eliza.
Plot
Definition: the narrative term defined as the events that make up a story particularly as they relate to one another in a pattern or in a sequence; as they relate to each other through cause and effect; how the reader views the story; or simply by coincidence
The plot of the play is similar to the plot of Cinderella and other fairy tales. The play begins with Eliza selling flowers at Covent Garden. There, she meets the Eysnford-Hills, Pickering, and Higgins. Higgins, being the notetaker and a professor of phonetics, notices Eliza's poor grammar and makes rude comments to her. After receiving money from Higgins as a "charitable donation", Eliza goes to Higgins's laboratory in Act II and demands for grammar lessons. During this scene, Higgins and Pickering make a bet in which Higgins will pass Eliza off as a duchess at the Ambassador's party after six months. In addition, Eliza's father appears to ask Higgins for money in exchange for letting him use his daughter for his experiment. As the story goes on, Eliza receives her lessons and is put through her first test, which is to talk to Mrs. Higgins about the weather and health. In this scene, she fails to do what is expected of her as her old habits reappear. With more lessons, Eliza finally completes Higgins's bet as people at the Ambassador's party think that is of royal blood. After this, they return to Higgins's laboratory where Eliza realizes that Higgins does not treat her like a lady. The play ends with Eliza marrying Freddy and opening her own flower shop. |
Protagonist
Definition: the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or fictional text
The protagonist of the story is Eliza Doolittle. She is the focus of the entire play because she is the person who is transformed. Starting as a common flower girl, she receives lessons and becomes a lady. Throughout the whole play, she would say, "I'm a good girl I am". This phrase is true as she is one of the better characters who does no harm to others, except for the scene where she throws slippers at Higgins. In the end, she realizes that society and people are corrupt and evidently, people should accept themselves for who they are because changing looks and actions does nothing but make a person feel empty and out of place.
The protagonist of the story is Eliza Doolittle. She is the focus of the entire play because she is the person who is transformed. Starting as a common flower girl, she receives lessons and becomes a lady. Throughout the whole play, she would say, "I'm a good girl I am". This phrase is true as she is one of the better characters who does no harm to others, except for the scene where she throws slippers at Higgins. In the end, she realizes that society and people are corrupt and evidently, people should accept themselves for who they are because changing looks and actions does nothing but make a person feel empty and out of place.
Sarcasm
Definition: the use of irony to mock or convey contempt
In the play, Shaw uses sarcasm through the character Henry Higgins. By making Higgins's speech sarcastic and witty, he is able to convey the irony within the work of the play. For example, Higgins says to Eliza, "You squashed cabbage leaf, you disgrace to the noble architecture of these columns, you incarnate insult to the English language." With this, the author is using sarcasm to depict the idea that Eliza does not fit within society and that she is uneducated. In addition, Higgins in Act II says, "By George, Eliza, the streets will be strewn with the bodies of men shooting themselves for your sake before I've done with you," after Eliza asks, "Who'od marry me?". Through this saying, Higgins uses sarcasm to tell Eliza that men would kill themselves instead of marrying her because they would want her to improve her speech. |
Satire
Definition: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues; also a genre of literature characterized by the use of satire
In Act I, Higgins says, "A woman who utters such depressing and disgusting sounds has no right to be anywhere - no right to live." With this saying, Shaw uses satire to portray the idea that butchering the English language is something that people shouldn't do or else they shouldn't live. However, he doesn't really mean that the people should die. Instead, he uses satire to highlight the fact that people should be more educated and have proper speech.
In Act I, Higgins says, "A woman who utters such depressing and disgusting sounds has no right to be anywhere - no right to live." With this saying, Shaw uses satire to portray the idea that butchering the English language is something that people shouldn't do or else they shouldn't live. However, he doesn't really mean that the people should die. Instead, he uses satire to highlight the fact that people should be more educated and have proper speech.
Setting
Definition: used to identify and establish time, place, and mood of the events of the story
The setting of this story is in various places in London in the early twentieth century. In Act I, the setting is in Covent Garden. In Act II, the setting is in Higgins's laboratory. In Act III, the setting is in Mrs. Higgins's home as well as the ambassador's party. In Act IV, the setting is back in Higgins's laboratory. Finally, in Act V, the setting is back in Mrs. Higgins's home.
The setting of this story is in various places in London in the early twentieth century. In Act I, the setting is in Covent Garden. In Act II, the setting is in Higgins's laboratory. In Act III, the setting is in Mrs. Higgins's home as well as the ambassador's party. In Act IV, the setting is back in Higgins's laboratory. Finally, in Act V, the setting is back in Mrs. Higgins's home.
ShavianDefinition: of, or relating to, or characteristic of George Bernard Shaw or his works
The entire play is Shavian because it is written by George Bernard Shaw himself. Even though the work alludes to the Pygmalion myth, Shaw uses the play to portray his beliefs about society through the composition of his characters and use of literary elements. |
Simile
Definition: a figure of speech that makes a comparison showing similarities between two different things using the words "like" or "as"
A simile in the play is when Higgins compares Eliza to a pigeon. In Act I, he dismisses Eliza telling her, "Woman: cease this detestable boohooing instantly; or else seek the shelter of some other place of worship." In response she says, "I've a right to be here if I like, same as you." Then he retorts back, "... don't sit there crooning like a bilious pigeon." With this, Higgins compares her to an unpleasant pigeon.
A simile in the play is when Higgins compares Eliza to a pigeon. In Act I, he dismisses Eliza telling her, "Woman: cease this detestable boohooing instantly; or else seek the shelter of some other place of worship." In response she says, "I've a right to be here if I like, same as you." Then he retorts back, "... don't sit there crooning like a bilious pigeon." With this, Higgins compares her to an unpleasant pigeon.
Stereotype
Definition: a wildly held but fixed and over simplified image or idea of idea of a particular type of person or thing
An important stereotype within the play relates to the different gender roles of women within each class. For example, Eliza, being of the lower class, is looked down upon and portrayed as dirty and uneducated. Meanwhile, the Eynsford-Hills, being in a higher class than Eliza, are shown to be more refined, although their family is dysfunctional and has no manners. Even though Eliza is seen as "low" and "poor", she is "richer" than the other women as she has more morals. Throughout the play, she claims that she is a "good girl" and sticks to this saying. She knows her self worth and is not reliant on men to do everything for her. In the sequel, she takes care of Freddy and figures out their financial situation. On the other hand, Mrs. Eynsford-Hill and Clara depended on Freddy to catch them a cab in Act I.
An important stereotype within the play relates to the different gender roles of women within each class. For example, Eliza, being of the lower class, is looked down upon and portrayed as dirty and uneducated. Meanwhile, the Eynsford-Hills, being in a higher class than Eliza, are shown to be more refined, although their family is dysfunctional and has no manners. Even though Eliza is seen as "low" and "poor", she is "richer" than the other women as she has more morals. Throughout the play, she claims that she is a "good girl" and sticks to this saying. She knows her self worth and is not reliant on men to do everything for her. In the sequel, she takes care of Freddy and figures out their financial situation. On the other hand, Mrs. Eynsford-Hill and Clara depended on Freddy to catch them a cab in Act I.
SymbolsDefinition: contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight and is representative of several other aspects, concepts, or traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone
The major symbols in the play include the flowers and the slippers. Flowers, with their ability to grow once nurtured with nutrients, symbolize Eliza Doolittle as she is able to grow from her transformation. With the proper lessons and change in lifestyle, she realizes in the end of her self worth. Instead of being continuously treated badly, she stands up for herself against Higgins. Another symbol is the slippers, which represent Higgins's love for Eliza and Eliza's courage to stand up for herself. When Eliza realizes that Higgins views her as important as his slippers, she throws it at him and tells him that she deserves to be treated better. On the other hand, the slippers also symbolize Higgins's cowardice. Like slippers, which are used to cover the feet, Higgins hides his true feelings for Eliza. |
Themes
Definition: a main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly
The major theme in this play is that "looks can be deceiving". The reason being is because in the beginning of the story, Eliza approaches Higgins in the hopes of improving her speech to become a lady. In the end, she realizes that the change in appearance and actions do not make a difference. Even with her proper grammar and nice clothes, Higgins still treated her like nothing, same as if she was still a "common flower girl". Thus, it is evident that Shaw is trying to convey the wickedness of society and the main idea that people are cruel and judgmental. Another theme within this play is that "money has no importance". Higgins, who was well off and made a good living, was a lonely man who lacked the proper characteristics of being a good person. Even with all his money, he was a bully and a coward. On the other hand, Eliza, a girl who had nothing, had more than Higgins could ever buy with his money. With her motto that she is a good girl, she sticks to what she believes in and becomes the better person in the end.
The major theme in this play is that "looks can be deceiving". The reason being is because in the beginning of the story, Eliza approaches Higgins in the hopes of improving her speech to become a lady. In the end, she realizes that the change in appearance and actions do not make a difference. Even with her proper grammar and nice clothes, Higgins still treated her like nothing, same as if she was still a "common flower girl". Thus, it is evident that Shaw is trying to convey the wickedness of society and the main idea that people are cruel and judgmental. Another theme within this play is that "money has no importance". Higgins, who was well off and made a good living, was a lonely man who lacked the proper characteristics of being a good person. Even with all his money, he was a bully and a coward. On the other hand, Eliza, a girl who had nothing, had more than Higgins could ever buy with his money. With her motto that she is a good girl, she sticks to what she believes in and becomes the better person in the end.
Tone
Definition: an attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience; generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject
The tone, like the mood of the play, is sarcastic, comedic, and sad. Whenever Shaw was trying to mock society and people's actions, he would use a sarcastic and comedic tone to portray the stupidity of our world. He used this tone through Higgins and Mr. Doolittle to show how irrational their thinking and sayings were. However, when highlighting the more serious parts of the play, Shaw would use a sad tone. This was primarily seen in scenes when Eliza revealed her past as well as when she realized her self worth.
The tone, like the mood of the play, is sarcastic, comedic, and sad. Whenever Shaw was trying to mock society and people's actions, he would use a sarcastic and comedic tone to portray the stupidity of our world. He used this tone through Higgins and Mr. Doolittle to show how irrational their thinking and sayings were. However, when highlighting the more serious parts of the play, Shaw would use a sad tone. This was primarily seen in scenes when Eliza revealed her past as well as when she realized her self worth.
Verbal Irony
Definition: irony in which a person says or writes one thing but means another or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning
In the play, verbal irony was used whenever Higgins would say something to Eliza that he did not necessarily mean. For example, he told Mrs. Pearce to "wallop" Eliza if she did not behave. Even though he said this, he does not mean harm to Eliza. Instead, he uses it as a threat in order to get Eliza to cooperate. Furthermore, he uses verbal irony when he says, "Eliza: if you say again that you're a good girl, your father will take you home." Obviously, Higgins did not mean this literally as giving Eliza up would cost him to lose the bet with Pickering. However, he uses verbal irony to get Eliza to stop repeating herself and claiming that she is a good girl. |