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Questions and Answers
What notable award did George Bernard Shaw receive for his literary contributions?
What notable award did George Bernard Shaw receive for his literary contributions?
The Nobel Prize in Literature.
What was Shaw's original career focus before becoming a playwright?
What was Shaw's original career focus before becoming a playwright?
Literary criticism.
In which city was George Bernard Shaw born?
In which city was George Bernard Shaw born?
Dublin.
How many plays did George Bernard Shaw write during his career?
How many plays did George Bernard Shaw write during his career?
Who is regarded as the only playwright to surpass Shaw in terms of historical significance?
Who is regarded as the only playwright to surpass Shaw in terms of historical significance?
What was the primary change Bernard Shaw contributed to drama?
What was the primary change Bernard Shaw contributed to drama?
Who was the first known writer to use realism in plays, and which language did he primarily write in?
Who was the first known writer to use realism in plays, and which language did he primarily write in?
What terminology is derived from Bernard Shaw's name, and what does it signify?
What terminology is derived from Bernard Shaw's name, and what does it signify?
What does the title 'Pygmalion' reference, and what is its origin?
What does the title 'Pygmalion' reference, and what is its origin?
In what ways did Shaw's female characters diverge from traditional representations in drama?
In what ways did Shaw's female characters diverge from traditional representations in drama?
What purpose does the unnamed street scene serve at the beginning of the play?
What purpose does the unnamed street scene serve at the beginning of the play?
How does the introduction of Prof. Higgins influence the development of Eliza's character?
How does the introduction of Prof. Higgins influence the development of Eliza's character?
In what ways does Pickering support Eliza's transformation throughout the play?
In what ways does Pickering support Eliza's transformation throughout the play?
What role does Mrs. Higgins play in the dynamics between her son and Eliza?
What role does Mrs. Higgins play in the dynamics between her son and Eliza?
Why is Freddy's character significant in relation to Eliza's journey?
Why is Freddy's character significant in relation to Eliza's journey?
Describe the significance of the rainy day setting in the story.
Describe the significance of the rainy day setting in the story.
How does the flower girl's broken English contribute to her character portrayal?
How does the flower girl's broken English contribute to her character portrayal?
What role do the family members (Freddy and his mother and sister) play in the scene?
What role do the family members (Freddy and his mother and sister) play in the scene?
Who is the note taker, and what does he symbolize in this context?
Who is the note taker, and what does he symbolize in this context?
What underlying themes can be inferred from the interactions between these characters?
What underlying themes can be inferred from the interactions between these characters?
How does the slippers scene in 'Pygmalion' reflect feminist themes?
How does the slippers scene in 'Pygmalion' reflect feminist themes?
What does Eliza's decision to open her own flower shop signify in terms of gender roles?
What does Eliza's decision to open her own flower shop signify in terms of gender roles?
Discuss the significance of Eliza choosing to marry Freddy instead of Higgins.
Discuss the significance of Eliza choosing to marry Freddy instead of Higgins.
What role does the theme of leading and subordinate characters play in 'Pygmalion'?
What role does the theme of leading and subordinate characters play in 'Pygmalion'?
How does the play challenge the notion of sentimental heroines?
How does the play challenge the notion of sentimental heroines?
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Study Notes
George Bernard Shaw
- Irish playwright, born in Dublin and later moved to London.
- Began writing career in literary criticism before transitioning to playwriting.
- Authored over sixty plays, ranking as the second most prolific playwright after Shakespeare.
- Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contributions to drama and literature.
- Pioneered realism in drama; aimed at social reform through his works.
Realism and Influence
- Introduced realism as a dramatic style in English literature.
- First major English playwright to embrace realism; previously explored by Henrik Ibsen in Norwegian theater.
- Recognized as the ultimate realist, showcasing authentic human experiences.
Shavian Concept
- The term "Shavian" derives from Shaw's name, denoting his unique style and perspectives.
- Noted for creating strong, pivotal female characters in his plays.
Pygmalion
- Title references a Greek myth, emphasizing transformation and identity.
- Key characters include:
- Professor Henry Higgins: linguistics expert.
- Eliza Doolittle: a flower girl with imperfect English.
- Colonel Pickering: Higgins's friend and phonetics expert.
- Mrs. Higgins: Higgins's mother.
- Freddy Eynsford-Hill: Eliza's love interest.
Opening Scene
- Begins with an unnamed street scene in London, emphasizing atmosphere over character identities.
- Features a flower girl (Eliza) with broken English and various passersby, including Freddy and his family.
- The note-taker in the scene is Professor Higgins.
Significant Scenes
- Slippers scene: crucial feminist moment, highlighting Eliza's struggle for agency.
- Street scene exemplifies realism, portraying everyday life and social class dynamics.
Themes in Pygmalion
- Gender discrimination highlighted through:
- Equality to men and the pursuit of free will.
- Eliza's transformation into a lady and later opening her own flower shop.
- Eliza's choice to marry Freddy, representing independence.
- Critique of sentimental heroines, marking a departure from traditional character archetypes.
- Exploration of leading and subordinate characters, showcasing dynamics between Eliza, Mrs. Higgins, and others.
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