ThemesThe main idea or underlying meaning of a work is known as the theme of a literary work. There are a few prevalent themes that are apparent throughout Pygmalion including those of society and class, appearance, and transformation. Shaw uses the characters of Eliza and Higgins to show that there is a distinction of social classes in twentieth century London, but that if you try hard enough, it is possible to bridge that gap. Essentially, he proves the English saying “fake it till you make it.” He also uses a theme of appearance, showing just how shallow the elite in London were. Evidenced by Eliza’s ability to fool the upper-class just by changing her dialect and clothing. And finally, George Bernard Shaw uses a Cinderella-like transformation in which Higgins turns Eliza into an upper-class woman, or tries to at least, but there are some characteristics that he just cannot rid her of. He feels as though he had almost transformed her, but near the end we see that she is slowly going back to her old self just as Cinderella's spell had to end sometime, Higgins’ had to too.
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SymbolsA symbol is an object that stands for another. This is generally used in literary works to give the object a deeper, more significant meaning. The most important symbol prevalent throughout Pygmalion is clothing. The play is centered around convincing society that a woman from the streets is actually an upper class woman. This shows the readers that really the only difference, if you look at outward appearance like these people seem to do, are language and clothing. The clothing plays an important part throughout the story for example when Eliza first takes a bath, her dad does not recognize her and when her dad first changes his clothing and cleans up, Eliza does not recognize him. The clothing shows the distinctions between all of the social classes as well. Clearly Eliza dressed differently as a flower girl and as an upper-class woman.
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ALlusionsAn allusion is a reference to an idea, place, thing, or person with historical or cultural significance. An allusion usually does not need an explanation because readers in that time period should understand these type of references. In Pygmalion, Shaw makes these brief and indirect references to the Bible, Shakespeare, Milton, Odyssey, Brahms, and Beethoven. Examples of lines allusions from the play include a reference to Buckingham Palace in Act II as well as references to Shakespeare, Milton, and the Bible (“Remember that you are a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech: that your native language is the language of Shakespeare and Milton and The Bible…”).
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AllegoryUnlike a symbol which is an object that stands for another object, an allegory is a complete narrative which uses a combination of characters, figures, and events to stand for an idea or event. Shaw uses two notable allegories to reference other ideas which include a reference to Narcissus (Greek mythological figure) and “The Japanese Lady”. In Act II, Shaw references a Greek figure known for his handsome appearance and popularity among women. This young man was rather vain and with intervention from a Greek god, Narcissus fell in love with himself and, later, killed himself. Eliza has her own fear of the “looking-glass” (which may have spawned from Narcissus’ doom from seeing his reflection), uneasy that she may face the same fate as him.
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