“I shall always be a flower girl to Professor Higgins, because he always treats me as a flower girl, and always will; but I know I can be a lady to you, because you always treat me as a lady, and always will” (152).
In this quotation the female main character of Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion”, Eliza, evalutes how she is treated by the two male main characters Higgins and Pickering. But her opinion is only partly correct and apart from that she speaks from a one-sided point of view. This essay will try to be more discriminating by looking closer at the view and treatment of Eliza towards Higgins and Pickering. It will also take the attitude of the two towards Eliza into consideration by examining the relationships always from both sides to show how the main characters view and treat each other in the play.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. How Higgins views and treats Eliza
- 3. How Eliza views and treats Higgins
- 4. The view and treatment of Eliza towards Pickering
- 5. The view and treatment of Pickering towards Eliza
- 6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes the interpersonal dynamics between the main characters in George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, focusing on how they perceive and interact with one another. It examines the evolving relationships from multiple perspectives, moving beyond a singular viewpoint to provide a more nuanced understanding.
- The changing relationship between Eliza and Higgins
- Eliza's consistent view of Pickering
- Higgins' evolving attitude towards Eliza
- The contrasting treatment of Eliza by Higgins and Pickering
- The impact of social class on the characters' interactions
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay's central argument: a multifaceted examination of the relationships between Eliza, Higgins, and Pickering in Shaw's Pygmalion. It establishes the premise of exploring the characters' evolving perspectives and interactions, moving beyond simplistic interpretations to delve into the complexities of their dynamic relationships. The chapter uses a direct quote from Eliza as a springboard for its analysis, highlighting the initial perception of her treatment by Higgins and Pickering, which will be examined in subsequent chapters.
2. How Higgins views and treats Eliza: This chapter details Professor Higgins' initial disdain for Eliza, viewing her as a representative of the lower classes, judged solely on her accent and manner of speech. Higgins' inherent elitism and professional interest in phonetics are emphasized, showcasing his initial objectification of Eliza as a subject for his experiment. The chapter then traces the subtle yet significant shift in Higgins' attitude as the play progresses, noting his grudging admiration for his creation, but emphasizing the lack of genuine personal affection. His continued condescending behavior, even at the play's end, is highlighted to counter any simplistic notions of a transformation in his character.
3. How Eliza views and treats Higgins: This chapter focuses on Eliza's perspective, showcasing her initial fear and later pragmatic acceptance of Higgins' role in her social transformation. The essay explores Eliza's calculated use of her newfound social skills to navigate her complex relationship with Higgins, analyzing her subtle attempts to provoke him and her final decision to assert her independence. The chapter examines Eliza's emotional development throughout the play, particularly her growing self-awareness and eventual rejection of Higgins' patronizing behavior. The complexities of her feelings towards him, a mixture of dependence and resentment, are carefully analyzed.
4. The view and treatment of Eliza towards Pickering: This chapter explores Eliza's consistently positive view of Colonel Pickering, contrasting it sharply with her complex relationship with Higgins. The chapter highlights Pickering's consistently gentlemanly behavior towards Eliza, emphasizing his respectful treatment in comparison to Higgins' condescension. Eliza's recognition of this difference and her implicit preference for Pickering's manner are detailed, underscoring the impact of respectful and considerate treatment on her perceptions. The chapter demonstrates how Eliza's views reinforce the contrast between the two men's attitudes towards her.
5. The view and treatment of Pickering towards Eliza: This chapter analyzes Pickering's treatment of Eliza, demonstrating his consistent politeness and respect, which stand in stark contrast to Higgins' behavior. Although Pickering participates in the experiment, his motivations and actions are presented as less exploitative and more genuinely benevolent. The chapter explores the subtle ways in which Pickering’s actions show a more sensitive and considerate nature than Higgins’s, examining how his consistent respect shapes Eliza's positive view of him and solidifies the contrast between him and Higgins.
Keywords
Pygmalion, Bernard Shaw, Eliza Doolittle, Henry Higgins, Colonel Pickering, social class, phonetics, language, gender, power dynamics, social mobility, transformation, respect, condescension.
Pygmalion: An Analysis of Interpersonal Dynamics - FAQ
What is the main focus of this essay?
This essay analyzes the interpersonal dynamics between the main characters (Eliza Doolittle, Henry Higgins, and Colonel Pickering) in George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. It examines how these characters perceive and interact with one another from multiple perspectives, providing a nuanced understanding of their evolving relationships.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores themes such as the changing relationship between Eliza and Higgins, Eliza's consistent view of Pickering, Higgins' evolving attitude towards Eliza, the contrasting treatment of Eliza by Higgins and Pickering, and the impact of social class on the characters' interactions.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes sections on the Introduction, Higgins' view and treatment of Eliza, Eliza's view and treatment of Higgins, Eliza's view and treatment of Pickering, Pickering's view and treatment of Eliza, and the Conclusion.
What are the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide detailed overviews of each section. The introduction sets the stage, while subsequent chapters delve into the specific relationships and perspectives of each character pairing. Each summary highlights key interactions and shifts in attitudes between characters throughout the play.
How does the essay analyze Higgins' view and treatment of Eliza?
The essay details Higgins' initial disdain for Eliza due to her lower-class background and accent. It traces his attitude's subtle shift, acknowledging grudging admiration but emphasizing his continued condescending behavior and lack of genuine affection.
How does the essay analyze Eliza's view and treatment of Higgins?
The essay focuses on Eliza's perspective, showcasing her initial fear and pragmatic acceptance of Higgins' role in her transformation. It analyzes her calculated use of new social skills, her attempts to provoke Higgins, and her eventual assertion of independence. The complexities of her feelings – a mix of dependence and resentment – are carefully examined.
How does the essay compare Pickering's and Higgins' treatment of Eliza?
The essay contrasts Pickering's consistently gentlemanly behavior and respectful treatment with Higgins' condescension. Eliza's preference for Pickering's manner is highlighted, emphasizing the impact of respectful treatment on her perceptions and reinforcing the contrast between the two men's attitudes.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Pygmalion, Bernard Shaw, Eliza Doolittle, Henry Higgins, Colonel Pickering, social class, phonetics, language, gender, power dynamics, social mobility, transformation, respect, and condescension.
What is the overall purpose of the essay?
The essay aims to provide a multifaceted examination of the relationships between Eliza, Higgins, and Pickering in Shaw's Pygmalion, moving beyond simplistic interpretations to understand the complexities of their dynamic interactions and evolving perspectives.
- Quote paper
- Lena Spiekermann (Author), 2007, “You squashed cabbage leaf” - How the main characters view and treat each other in Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion”, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180520
