Essay about George Bernard Shaw's Life and Works

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Essay
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Author Note

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Section A
George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion represents a world divided by class and gender. Are
these divisions surmountable?
Pygmalion is one of the most critically acclaimed plays of all times. The seminal work by
George Bernard Show is a social satire which has been presented in the form of Comedy of
Manners. It critiques the society by mocking the upper class and how they perceive the world
and the lower spectrum of the society. George Bernard Show developed complex plots which did
not cater to the greater section of the society (McGovern). He has critiqued the Victorian society
which was condescended for being notorious and classicist. The values which were ingrained in
the society were hypocritical as the nature of judgment was too shallow. This was rightly pointed
out and addressed by Shaw, in his works.
The intention of Shaw in the play is to depict the differences which exist between the
upper class and working class of the society (Kent). The lower class was often looked down
upon by the upper class society who considered themselves to be superior and made coarse jokes
about their mannerisms, attitudes and condition of living. The play revolves around Eliza’s
journey to learn about the upper class ways and look like a Duchess in an event which is to
follow sometimes later. The process of transformation is very significant, as Shaw, with the help
of which, points out the disgusting image which is pained by the upper class concerning the
lower and working class of the society.
Eliza’s character is not only symbolic of the social and gender role of the working class
but also that they can be subverted when there is intent and effort. Eliza was treated like she
belonged to the inferior section of the society and got judged for the work she did for a living,

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i.e., selling flowers. The language and accent with which she spoke, was quite different from the
standardized linguistic traits. Shaw has advocated the lower classes because of the prejudices
which are thrown at them by the upper classes (Kent). He projects the lower spectrum of the
society without the limitations which is thought to be there as their shortcomings. They cannot be
held to be inferior for their social identities but they can subvert them easily with efforts if they
are willing to do so. The process of transformation makes Eliza realize many things about the
upper class society and its treatment towards the women.
Eliza Doolittle is a flower girl who could become a professional with the help off
Professor Henry Higgins. She was first discovered by Higgins at the Covent Guarding as was
intrigued by the peculiar accent with which she spoke. She was discovered by Higgins while she
sold flowers and uttered words in a disfigured manner. This compelled Higgins to take note of
the differing nuances as he asserted the fact to be able to turn Eliza into a Duchess with his
Phonetician Skills. The emphasis is laid on the poor articulation of linguistic details by the lower
classes as can be seen in case of Eliza, as she sells flowers at the Covent Garden. Eliza intends to
undergo the transformation to achieve high ranking in the society. The true concern of the play is
associated with the issue of class which is pertinent to the British society.
The differences of the society are caused due to capitalism as resources and wealth are
concentrated in the smaller pockets of the society. Bernard Shaw goes on to point out how
expression with the usage of language is exemplary to reveal social ranking (Chothia). This fine
line between a common girl and a Duchess maintained through poise, mannerism and speech.
Eliza could become a Duchess as was promised by Higgins while she realizes that true potential
lay in herself. The hierarchy which exists in the society is nothing but an inevitable reality which
have been rightly depicted though the socialist play by Bernard Shaw. The most shocking