Questions and Answers
What does Mrs. Pearse say when asked about Liza's accent?
Oh something rather dreadful sir, really. I don't know how you can take an interest in it.
What does Liza say when she arrives at Mr. Higgins' house?
Well, I ain't come here for a compliment, and if my money's not good enough I can go elsewhere.
What does Higgins say to Pickering about Liza?
Pickering, should we ask this baggage to sit down or shall we throw her out the window?
What does Liza tell Higgins and Pickering regarding being called a baggage?
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What does Mrs. Pearse say to Liza about affording Mr. Higgins?
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What does Mr. Higgins say when discussing Liza's payment for lessons?
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What does Mr. Higgins say about Liza's character?
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What does Higgins suggest to Mrs. Pearse about Liza?
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What does Mr. Higgins say to Liza regarding his offer?
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What does Mr. Higgins ask Pinkering about men of good character?
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What does Mr. Higgins say about Mr. Doolittle when he first arrives?
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What does Mr. Higgins ask Mr. Doolittle about selling his daughter?
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What does Mr. Doolittle say regarding his ability to afford morals?
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What does Liza say about cleaning up after taking a bath?
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What does Higgins say about transforming Liza?
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What does Alfred Doolittle say about middle-class morality?
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Study Notes
Mrs. Pearse's Perspective
- Mrs. Pearse expresses disdain for Liza's accent, indicating her higher social class's perception of affronting speech.
Liza's Determination
- Liza asserts her worth with dignity, questioning the value of her money when seeking lessons, emphasizing her desire for social mobility.
Higgins' Attitude
- Higgins refers to Liza as "baggage," showcasing his initial dismissive and contemptuous view of her lower-class status.
Liza's Assertiveness
- Liza rebukes Higgins, demanding respect and equality despite her background, demonstrating her fight against class prejudice.
Mrs. Pearce's Realism
- Mrs. Pearce challenges Liza's aspirations by questioning her financial ability to afford Higgins' lessons, highlighting class limitations.
Economic Disparity
- Higgins contrasts the earnings of a millionaire with Liza's meager income, illustrating the harsh reality of class disparities in Victorian society.
Fascination with Class
- Higgins admits to finding Liza’s lowly status “irresistible,” indicating a morbid curiosity about the poor.
Dismissal of Liza
- Higgins suggests unceremoniously discarding Liza, which reflects his view of her as disposable due to her social standing.
Liza's Transformation
- Higgins underscores the societal exchange inherent in lifting Liza from the gutter, hinting at his view of her as a project rather than a person.
Class & Morality
- Higgins questions Pickering about virtuous men in relation to women, suggesting male opportunism prevalent in upper classes.
Mr. Doolittle's Arrival
- Higgins’ abrupt greeting of Mr. Doolittle portrays a lack of respect for social decorum, highlighting class tensions.
Selling Family
- Higgins confronts Mr. Doolittle about selling his daughter for money, exposing moral dilemmas surrounding poverty and family.
Doolittle's Poverty
- Mr. Doolittle's defense of his inability to afford morals reflects the compromises stemming from desperate economic conditions.
Liza's Cleanliness
- Liza notes the ease of bathing post-cleanup, symbolizing her transition and desire for civility and societal acceptance.
Class Transformation Potential
- Higgins boasts about transforming Liza into a duchess, emphasizing the potential to transcend class boundaries through education.
Doolittle's Critique of Class
- Alfred Doolittle dismisses middle-class morality as self-serving and hypocritical, revealing a skewed view of ethics based on social status.
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Description
Test your knowledge of quotes related to social class from George Bernard Shaw's 'Pygmalion'. This quiz features essential dialogue that highlights the themes of class and transformation within the play. Challenge yourself to recall the context and characters behind each quote.