Pygmalion Essay

703 Words3 Pages
pTo explore the ways Shaw uses contrasts of power and control between Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle By Maseehullah Patel “Pygmalion” by Bernard Shaw portrays the amount of power and control there was between Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. Shaw’s use of different language devices, the structure and context of the play emphasises the relationship between these characters, the social class differences and the Greek myth of Pygmalion. In this essay, I will be analyzing and describing Shaw’s language, structure and context of his play “Pygmalion,” as well as my own interpretations to answer my essay question, “To explore the ways Shaw uses contrast of power and control between Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle.” The contrast between Higgins and Eliza’s language throughout the play emphasises the position of both characters. In Act 1 Higgins addresses Eliza in a negative manner commanding her not to “sit there crooning like a bilious pigeon”. This implies the reader that Higgins is a rude and obnoxious character. Taking advantage of her situation and position in society during that era portray that Eliza is a weak and vulnerable character. The words “bilious pigeon” express a message to the reader that Higgins is a heartless character and also indicates that Eliza acts like an ill and sick pigeon. The use of a simile in Higgins phrase shows that he is well educated and very intelligent. Eliza responding in a defenceless manner: “Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow,” shows the reader that at this point in the play her lack in power. Nevertheless, this gradually alters as we read further into the play as we come to acknowledge the strength and power Eliza gains. Therefore, Shaw’s use of powerful language in “Pygmalion” contrasts the amount of power and control Professor Higgins’ had over Eliza Doolittle. In contrast to this, in Act 2 we see an increase in Eliza’s
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