Gender Dynamics and Social Structures in Shaw's Pygmalion

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The Role of Women in Shaw's Pygmalion In Shaw's days women were subordinate to men. They were regarded as property. Therefore, Eliza's father is a good example of this attitude "selling" Eliza to Higgins as if she was his property. This shows that inequality of the sexes is even greater than inequality between classes. In "Pygmalion", we also find the aspect of natural selection. Yet Higgins succeeds in his experiment, and consequently, Charles Darwin's theory seems to be defeated. Eliza has been made a lady, regardless of her origins. During that time, the belief prevailed that only a man can turn a woman into a lady. This is illustrated in Eliza's helplessness and in the way Higgins treats her. The conflict reaches its climax when Higgins suggests that Eliza should marry. As to Eliza's situation, she has to decide between marrying and going out to work. This reflects the contemporary beliefs that it was degrading for women to earn their own living. However, Eliza begins to rebel against Higgins by tossing the slippers at him. This can be seen as a way of release to the other ladies. Later on, Eliza marries Freddy, who is apparently superior to her, socially, not intellectually. Eliza, though, is eager to work and ignores conventions. Eliza's behavior stands for women who struggled for their rights in those days. In conclusion, one can say that Shaw's criticism and opinion is expressed in Eliza. Whereas females of the period were marked by some kind of helplessness, Eliza is an independent, self-confident character. She even uses language training to show superiority over Higgins. [259]

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