FREE ESSAY ON PYGMALION

PYGMALION

In this day of repressive, unsavory humanity, where the young idolize the lower classes,
while the politically correct look down upon the elite, every household should have a
copy of this timeless tale. Although many scorn the elite, it is they who preside over
society. This book is as entertaining as it is provocative. Often these two qualities do
not harmonize, but in Pygmalion they are conjugal. With its inclusion of religious
issues, gender issues, social issues, family issues, and other essential issues,
Pygmalion is indeed a masterpiece. The way the author exemplifies how poorly the "lower
class" are treated is poignant.
Since it is her speech and common manner that presents Liza as lower class, when Higgins
offers to help her in this area, it is unquestionably an enchanting proposal to her. At
first, owed to Higgins relentless approach upon their first encounter on Wimpole Street,
Liza is reluctant to accept his offer. Treatment of this sort would certainly give rise
to doubt by any individual. Higgins is essentially an overgrown, socially maladjusted
adolescent with an intermittent dash of brilliance; he's not charming at all. I find
pompously righteous characters like Higgins to add character to any story. Nonetheless,
her inspiration, to possibly be passed as a duchess at the upcoming Embassy Ball, prompts
Liza to accept; or maybe it is just a path out of the streets for her. In any case, as
Shaw often puts it Speech is the decipher of classes, not birth or position. 
Shaw's insinuation that anyone can ascend to the upper levels of society by putting on a
new accent and nice clothes is brilliant. Liza's transformation from "guttersnipe" to
refined society girl lends hope to the common lower class community. I found her parlor
audition with Mrs. Higgins to be highly amusing. Indeed I would not want to find myself
in that predicament, yet graceful, dignified Mrs. Higgins takes a liking to her just the
same. The associated scene at the racetrack in "My Fair Lady" is humorous as well. To see
the embarrassment in Higgins face, as Liza coaxes the horses on, is priceless. 
Throughout the story, the reader appreciates the disposition of Colonel Pickering. This
fellow linguist of Higgins' is portrayed as his antithesis; a gentle man cordial enough
to treat a common flower girl as a human, not just a mere venture. Peculiar, however, is
the fact that the personalities of these two men are agreeable, and the two seem to
readily affiliate with one another. 
Doolittle presents us with a sort of in-between character. His manner is further refined
than that of his daughter, yet he still lacks the polished or distinguished personas of
Higgins and Pickering. From his initial introduction in the story, it is rather difficult
to take a liking to his character. It is apparent that he cares very little about the
welfare of his own daughter. He is more interested in obtaining a little compensation for
lending her to Higgins. However, when Higgins turns the tables and tries to give her
back, he changes his tune a bit. In the movie, though, I was more partial to his
character. His silly-hearted demeanor was enjoyable to witness. In the end, to imagine
the epitome of his anguish dealing with upheaval to a wealthy life is a bit comical, poor
soul. 
As the story progresses, the relationship between Higgins and Liza gradually takes on new
structure. As Liza advances in her self-confidence and realizes that this man treats
everyone with indifferent contempt, Higgins seems to greater appreciate her existence. He
more or less welcomes her retorts. Much of the humor incorporated in this story revolves
around the squabbles between these two characters. At times, I felt persuaded to believe
that they would end up marrying. Higgins' mockery of Freddy was certainly an indication
of this. He is seemingly jealous when Liza takes an interest in Freddy. I would not have
come to this conclusion had I initially watched the movie. This may be related, in part,
to the appearance of Mr. Higgins. I am well aware that my inference is shallow, but the
beauty of Liza far surpasses that of Higgins. 
The underlying query right through the story is "will she or won't she pass the final
test of society?" However, "what will happen to her after" is also profoundly significant
in the mind of Liza, as well as in the mind of the reader. 
I was astonished when Liza chooses to leave the comforts offered to her by Higgins and
Pickering. This, in fact, is a remarkable display of her newfound confidence. For her to
go out into the world alone, rather than offer Higgins the satisfaction of her dependence
on him, is commendable. Her return to Wimpole Street in the movie was, therefore, a
little disappointing to me. 
In short, Pygmalion is a one of a kind story that deserves a place of honor on every
bookshelf. It expresses how something as simple as a person's accent can determine his or
her social status and economic opportunities. The concluding argument, between compassion
(Liza) and logic (Higgins) in human relations, suits the story entirely.