Pygmalion Social Class Quotes

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?

I won't be called a baggage when I've offered to pay like any lady. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Pearse say to Liza about affording Mr. Higgins?

How can you be such a foolish ignorant girl as to think you could afford to pay Mr. Higgins? Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Higgins say when discussing Liza's payment for lessons?

Figure it out. A millionaire has about 150 pounds a day. She earns about half-a-crown. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Higgins say about Liza's character?

It's almost irresistible. She's so deliciously low—so horribly dirty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Higgins suggest to Mrs. Pearse about Liza?

Put her in the dustbin. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Higgins say to Liza regarding his offer?

This is my return for offering to take you out the gutter and dress you beautifully and make a lady out of you. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Higgins ask Pinkering about men of good character?

Have you ever met a man of good character where women are concerned? Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Higgins say about Mr. Doolittle when he first arrives?

Send the blackguard up! Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Higgins ask Mr. Doolittle about selling his daughter?

Do you mean, you callous rascal, that you would sell your daughter for 50 pounds? Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Doolittle say regarding his ability to afford morals?

Can't afford them, governor. Neither could you if you was as poor as me. Signup and view all the answers

What does Liza say about cleaning up after taking a bath?

I tell you. It's easy to clean up here. Hot and cold water on the tap, just as much as you like, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What does Higgins say about transforming Liza?

You see this creature with her kerbstone English, the English that will keep her in the gutter to the end of her days. Well, sir in three months I could pass that girl off as a duchess. Signup and view all the answers

What does Alfred Doolittle say about middle-class morality?

What middle class morality? Just an excuse for never giving me anything. Signup and view all the answers

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.