Pygmalion

Question 1

The Plot of Pygmalion (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution, Denouement)

Answer 1

Exposition:

• The play begins with isolated stage directions, setting the scene (Covent Garden, late at night).
• Preface/Epilogue: Shaw includes these to explain the ending’s divergence from his vision (Eliza and Higgins do not end up together).

Rising Action:

• Eliza is initially part of a bet between Higgins and Pickering.
• Higgins: A scientist-focused character, not caring about people, sees Eliza as a project.
• Alfred Doolittle: Represents a stereotypical lower-class figure, contrasting with Eliza’s development.

Climax:

• Eliza’s speech is perfected, but she struggles with what to say.
• Eliza needs a mentor, and Mrs. Higgins steps in as a maternal figure, realizing the need for guidance beyond physical appearance.

Falling Action:

• Eliza realizes she has mastered the language but has no social standing or money.
• Symbols: Slippers and jewelry signify her isolation, while Higgins does not acknowledge her efforts.
• She returns the ring, symbolizing the end of her relationship with Higgins.

Resolution/Denouement:

• Higgins becomes a double of Eliza in behavior; Eliza grows but leaves him behind.
• Shaw advocates for mutual respect across social classes, highlighting inequality.

Question 2

Characters in Pygmalion: Types and Relationships

Answer 2

Eliza Doolittle:

• Round but static character: She evolves in her speech but doesn’t develop emotionally or socially.
• Foil to Clara: Both women embody the idea of a “lady,” but Eliza is clever and independent.

Henry Higgins:

• Flat and static character: He remains unchanged, oblivious to Eliza’s growth and needs.
• Foil to Pickering: Both are gentlemen, but Higgins is impolite, while Pickering is kind and respectful.

Alfred Doolittle:

• Stereotype (Flat): Represents a morally unrestrained lower-class figure.
• Double of Eynsford-Hill: Doolittle’s arc contrasts with the respectable but hollow Eynsford-Hill family.

Mrs. Higgins:

• Complementary character: Acts as a motherly figure to Eliza, understanding her emotional needs better than Higgins.

Question 3

Metaphors in Pygmalion

Answer 3

Pygmalion Myth: Eliza is the Galatea (sculpted into an ideal figure by Higgins, the Pygmalion).

The Slippers: Symbolize Eliza’s isolation, marking the divide between her physical transformation and emotional abandonment.

Ring: A symbol of belonging and commitment; Eliza’s return of the ring signals the end of her dependency on Higgins.

Question 4

The Communication Model in Pygmalion

Answer 4

Dramatic Communication:

• Addresser: The author (Shaw).
• Message: The dramatic text.
• Addressee: The reader.

Theatre Performance Communication:

• Addresser: The theatre apparatus (actors, director, designers).
• Message: The live performance.
• Addressee: The audience.

Key Features:

• Dialogue is the main communication tool in drama.
• Doubled Communication: What is read (text) vs. what is performed (stage presentation).

Levels of Meaning:

• Dramatic Level: The interaction between characters.
• Theatrical Level: Interaction between the cast and audience.
• Epic Level: Performance resembling a narrative form.
• Fourth Wall: The invisible barrier between the audience and actors (often broken in postmodern performances).