Pygmalion

Bernard Shaw

2024년 7월 · Aegitas

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Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw is a thought-provoking and socially conscious play that addresses issues of class, language, and identity. Published in 1913, this play follows the story of Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl from the streets of London, who is taken on as a project by the wealthy phonetics professor, Henry Higgins. The play explores the transformative power of language and the impact of society's rigid expectations on individuals. The title of the play is a reference to the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with his own creation. Similarly, Higgins becomes enamored with the idea of transforming Eliza into a refined and cultured lady through speech and etiquette training. This raises questions about the role of education and social mobility in society. Shaw uses this analogy to critique the superficiality of society's obsession with outward appearances and the inherent class divide that exists in early 20th century England. One of the main themes of Pygmalion is the power dynamics between the classes. Shaw presents a scathing commentary on the rigid British class system and the struggles of those who are born into lower classes. Eliza's transformation into a lady challenges the concept of nature versus nurture and highlights the limitations imposed by social class. Through Eliza's character, Shaw exposes the hypocrisy of the upper class, who view themselves as superior based on their wealth and education, while disregarding the struggles of the lower classes. The use of language in the play also serves as a powerful tool to highlight the importance of communication and its impact on social status. Through the characters of Higgins and Colonel Pickering, Shaw showcases how the mastery of language can elevate one's social standing and open doors to opportunities that were previously unavailable. However, this also raises questions about the authenticity of one's identity and whether it is acceptable to discard one's origins and adopt a new identity for the sake of societal acceptance. Moreover, Shaw's portrayal of the relationship between Higgins and Eliza challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. Eliza's transformation from a poor and submissive flower girl to a confident and independent woman challenges the patriarchal norms of the time. Shaw also presents a commentary on the objectification of women and the double standards that exist within society. Eliza is constantly belittled and objectified by the male characters, highlighting the inequality and misogyny prevalent in society. In addition to its social commentary, Pygmalion is also a witty and humorous play, with clever wordplay and satirical dialogue. Shaw's use of comedy adds depth to the play and allows the audience to reflect on its underlying themes in a lighter manner. However, Shaw's wit is also used to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of society, making the play a powerful tool for social criticism. Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant in today's society. Through its exploration of class, language, and gender, Shaw challenges societal norms and encourages the audience to question the systems that dictate our lives. This play serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of human nature and the impact of societal expectations on individual identity.