Pygmalion: Study Guide | SparkNotes

Overview

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, first premiered in 1913, is a satirical play addressing class, identity, and social mobility issues.

Plot Summary

• Professor Henry Higgins: A phonetics expert who undertakes a project to transform Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, into a refined lady.
• Setting: Early 20th-century London, highlighting rigid social hierarchies and the English class system.

Themes

• Critique of class distinctions and language/accent as barriers.
• Exploration of the impact of language and social expectations on identity.
• Reflection on broader social issues like the suffragette movement and evolving women's roles.
• Challenges to traditional class and gender roles.

Cultural Impact

• Pygmalion remains relevant due to its exploration of timeless social issues.
• Inspired adaptations, notably the musical My Fair Lady and Anthony Asquith's 1938 film adaptation.

Additional Resources

• Full Text and Analysis: Available through SparkNotes.
• Character Descriptions: Detailed list available.

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