Where: London, England
Where in London: Covent Garden, Henry Higgins' apartment (10 Wimpole Street), and Ms. Higgins' apartment. When: Early 20th century Literary Period: Victorian Era Shaw wrote Pygmalion in the spring of 1912, near the end of the Victorian Era, during the height of the British Empire. That same year, several historical events accorded around the world. The most prominent of which include: -The Republic of China was established -New Mexico became a state -Fenway park opened -The Tripolitan War between Turkey and Italy ended -Albania gained independence from Turkey -First Balkan War took place -Mexican Revolution was going on |
ToneTone is the author’s attitude towards a subject, generally conveyed through his or her’s choice of words. Of course, there are multiple tones that Shaw uses throughout the work. Use of amusing and sympathetic tones are all evident in the novel. A prominent example of Shaw’s use of an amused tone is the scene, in the first half of the book, when Higgins and Eliza discuss Eliza’s living circumstances. Shaw uses Henry Higgins to convey that he is amused that Eliza is disgusted by free lodging, free food, and free education when she should instead be grateful (especially because she is living on the streets). Shaw uses Mrs. Pearce to convey sympathy towards Eliza through her always looking out for her best interests. When Higgins pushes her too far, Mrs. Pearce is there to say slow down or be nicer and when Higgins fails to consider Eliza’s future, Mrs. Pearce encourages him to be more sympathetic.
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moodWhile tone conveys the author’s feelings towards a subject through word choice, mood evokes feelings in the reader through word choice. Eliza’s cockney accent and her process of learning proper English creates an amusing atmosphere while Higgins' harsh teaching method and lack of sympathy towards Eliza (or anyone really) creates an atmosphere of pity towards Eliza.
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