Shaw explores the artificiality of class distinctions throughout Pygmalion. Trace this theme throughout the play. What classes are represented in the play? On what factors is membership based? Which characters strive to move above their class? Which wish to stay as they are? What are their reasons?
With Shaw’s exploration of the artificiality of class distinctions throughout Pygmalion, not only was he able to show the differences within each class but also make fun of the actions and beliefs of each class. In regards to the artificiality of each class, he made this theme clear within the entire play by depicting the gullibility and obliviousness of the upper class. By allowing Eliza, a “common flower girl” from the lower class turn into a lady, Shaw highlighted the major flaw within the upper class, which is stupidity. After Eliza obtained the proper grammar lessons and groomed herself, she was able to trick people into thinking that she is of royal blood at the ambassador’s party. With this, it is evident that the upper class can be easily manipulated and tricked. The reason being is because they are so narrow minded that they think that anyone that can afford their lifestyle and talk and act like them are part of the upper class. Little did they know that Eliza was below them and was only a transformation and not part of their social class. Thus, if the upper class were to have seen Eliza before her transformation, they would never think that she would be the person that was standing in front of them as a “duchess”. For this reason, Shaw highlights the fact that the upper class is blinded by their arrogance.
With Shaw’s exploration of the artificiality of class distinctions throughout Pygmalion, not only was he able to show the differences within each class but also make fun of the actions and beliefs of each class. In regards to the artificiality of each class, he made this theme clear within the entire play by depicting the gullibility and obliviousness of the upper class. By allowing Eliza, a “common flower girl” from the lower class turn into a lady, Shaw highlighted the major flaw within the upper class, which is stupidity. After Eliza obtained the proper grammar lessons and groomed herself, she was able to trick people into thinking that she is of royal blood at the ambassador’s party. With this, it is evident that the upper class can be easily manipulated and tricked. The reason being is because they are so narrow minded that they think that anyone that can afford their lifestyle and talk and act like them are part of the upper class. Little did they know that Eliza was below them and was only a transformation and not part of their social class. Thus, if the upper class were to have seen Eliza before her transformation, they would never think that she would be the person that was standing in front of them as a “duchess”. For this reason, Shaw highlights the fact that the upper class is blinded by their arrogance.
On the other hand, Shaw also depicts that the lower class is fearful and silly. For example, when Mrs. Pearce was going to give Eliza a bath, she was afraid to even take her own clothes off let alone have herself cleaned in the bathtub. In addition, when she saw herself in the mirror, she was so scared that she broke the class. Thus, it is clear that the lower class are less open to doing things because they are so limited in what they can do. Due to the fact that they do not have much, they have to make do of what they already have.
In regards to the classes represented in the play, they show the upper class and the lower class. Eliza Doolittle is part of the lower class but makes her way up the social ladder by receiving lessons from Higgins. Meanwhile, her father, Mr. Doolittle, was part of the lower class and liked being there. He disagreed with “middle class morality” but with Higgins’s trick, was given a large amount of money and forced to practice what he disagreed with. The Eynsford-Hills are part of the middle class by try to assimilate with the upper class by attending Mrs. Higgins’ at home days. Henry Higgins and Mrs. Higgins are part of the upper class but are “new money”. This means that they were not originally rich by family inheritance but instead made their way up and became rich. This is evident through the fact that Higgins lack the proper manners that the upper classes have. On the other hand, Colonel Pickering has always been rich and has the proper manners that the others lacked.
In regards to the classes represented in the play, they show the upper class and the lower class. Eliza Doolittle is part of the lower class but makes her way up the social ladder by receiving lessons from Higgins. Meanwhile, her father, Mr. Doolittle, was part of the lower class and liked being there. He disagreed with “middle class morality” but with Higgins’s trick, was given a large amount of money and forced to practice what he disagreed with. The Eynsford-Hills are part of the middle class by try to assimilate with the upper class by attending Mrs. Higgins’ at home days. Henry Higgins and Mrs. Higgins are part of the upper class but are “new money”. This means that they were not originally rich by family inheritance but instead made their way up and became rich. This is evident through the fact that Higgins lack the proper manners that the upper classes have. On the other hand, Colonel Pickering has always been rich and has the proper manners that the others lacked.