Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Pygmalion is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1912 and first performed in 1913. It is based on the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with his own creation, a statue of a woman. Shaw adapts this myth to explore the themes of class, gender, and identity in early 20th-century society. He also uses the play as a vehicle to express his views on language, education, and social reform. Shaw presents Pygmalion as a problem play, a feminist play, and an anti-romantic play. These concerns are rooted in Shaw's broader intellectual and dramatic outlook, which developed through his engagement with social criticism and theatrical reform.
Pygmalion as Problem Play
A problem play is a type of drama that deals with controversial social issues and challenges the audience to think critically and morally about them. Shaw was known for writing problem plays that addressed topics such as poverty, prostitution, marriage, and religion. In Pygmalion, he focuses on the problems of class, gender, and identity that were prevalent in his time.
Shaw depicts the differences and inequalities between the upper and lower classes in terms of their speech, manners, education, and opportunities. He shows how lower-class people, such as Eliza, are discriminated against and exploited by upper-class people, such as Higgins and Pickering. He also shows how lower-class people are deprived of proper education and culture and are forced to live in poverty and ignorance.
Shaw portrays the role and status of women in society and how they are treated by men, especially by Higgins. He shows how women are expected to be submissive, obedient, and dependent on men for their survival and happiness. He also shows how women are objectified and commodified by men who use them for their own pleasure and benefit. He exposes the hypocrisy and cruelty of Higgins, who claims to be a humanitarian but treats Eliza as a mere experiment and a toy. Higgins's conduct toward Eliza therefore provides an important example of the power relationships examined throughout the play.
Shaw shows the importance and difficulty of finding one's true identity and belonging in a society that imposes rigid norms and expectations on people. He shows how Eliza struggles to fit into different social roles and classes and to find her own voice and personality. He also shows how Higgins faces a similar dilemma as an outsider and rebel who does not conform to conventional standards of morality and behaviour.
Shaw offers a solution or a challenge to these social problems through his portrayal of Eliza's transformation and her relationship with Higgins. He shows how Eliza learns to speak properly, dress elegantly, behave politely, and think independently through Higgins' teaching. He also shows how Eliza develops self-respect, self-confidence, and self-reliance through her own efforts. He suggests that education and culture can empower people to overcome their social disadvantages and prejudices.
However, Shaw also complicates his solution by showing the limitations and consequences of Eliza's transformation. He shows how Eliza loses her original identity and charm as a flower girl and becomes alienated from her own class and family. He also shows how Eliza becomes dependent on Higgins for her emotional needs and how Higgins fails to recognise her as an equal human being. He implies that education and culture alone are insufficient to solve social problems related to class, gender, and identity.
Pygmalion as Feminist Play
A feminist play is a type of drama that advocates for women's rights and equality in society. Shaw was known for writing feminist plays that featured strong female characters who challenged the patriarchal system and asserted their independence and agency. In Pygmalion, he focuses on the theme of female empowerment through the character of Eliza.
Shaw depicts various feminist trends, such as the empowerment of women through independence in the workplace and in non-traditional roles as entrepreneurs and decision-makers. He shows how Eliza decides to open a flower shop with the help of her father and Freddy, instead of relying on Higgins or Pickering for money. He also shows how Eliza chooses her own partner and future rather than accepting Higgins' offer or proposal.
However, Shaw also sticks to their traditional roles as mothers, householders, and domestic workers. He shows how Eliza still performs the domestic duties for Higgins and Pickering, such as fetching their slippers and making their tea. He also shows that Eliza still cares for Higgins as a mother figure, comforting him when he is upset and scolding him when he is rude. He suggests that women have to balance their personal and professional lives and fulfil their social obligations.
In terms of feminist ideology, the play appeals to the criticism of patriarchal society, which treats women with contempt and different standards than men. From Mrs Higgins to Mrs Pearce and Eliza, women are shown to be strong-minded and opinionated, yet they depend on men who still control their lives and decisions. Shaw exposes the hypocrisy and injustice of the male-dominated system that oppresses and exploits women.
However, much like a feminist critique, there is no clear alternative to the existing social arrangement or solutions to better it. Shaw does not offer a radical or revolutionary vision of female emancipation or equality. He does not challenge the basic structure or values of the society he criticises. He only suggests some reforms or improvements that can make the situation more tolerable or acceptable for women.
Pygmalion as Anti-Romantic Play
A romantic play is a type of drama that focuses on the theme of love and romance between the main characters. Shaw was known for writing anti-romantic plays that subverted or mocked the conventions and expectations of the romantic genre. In Pygmalion, he focuses on the theme of anti-romance through the character of Higgins and his relationship with Eliza.
Shaw does not have a romantic happy ending for Higgins and Eliza. Much of the play builds an expectation that Higgins and Eliza have feelings toward each other and will eventually end up together as a romantic couple. Pickering and Mrs Pearce can sense a level of attraction between the two, and the readers are told about their quarrels and tiffs much like in the case of two lovers. Even the Greek legend of Pygmalion had a romantic core and the anticipation is only heightened through Act IV.
However, by the end of the play, we realise that Mr Higgins is a lonely and cynical man who does not want companionship, and Eliza is ready to move on with Freddy and ends up living a happy and affectionate life with him. Thus, contrary to expectations, the play is not about romance. It presents a case for being an anti-romantic play.
Shaw justifies this unexpected ending by telling us that Higgins and Eliza were just too temperamental and opinionated to end up together. He shows that Higgins is a confirmed bachelor who values his freedom and independence above all else. He also shows how Eliza is a spirited and intelligent woman who wants respect and equality from her partner. He implies that Higgins and Eliza are incompatible and unsuitable for each other.
Shaw also criticises the romantic ideal of love and marriage that is prevalent in his society. He shows how love and marriage are often based on superficial or materialistic factors, such as appearance, wealth, or status. He also shows how love and marriage are often oppressive or restrictive for women, who have to sacrifice their identity or happiness for their husbands. He suggests that love and marriage are neither the ultimate goals nor the sources of fulfilment for human beings.
Pygmalion is a play that explores the themes of class, gender, and identity in early 20th-century society. It also expresses Shaw's views on language, education, and social reform. Shaw presents Pygmalion as a problem play, a feminist play, and an anti-romantic play. I have also discussed how Shaw presents or complicates solutions to these themes through his depiction of Eliza's transformation and her interaction with Higgins. The play is a complex and provocative work that challenges the audience to think critically and morally about the social issues and norms of its time.
