Pygmalion Research Paper

When comparing Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw and the mythological tale involving a sculptor and his sculpture of the “perfect woman,” there are numerous similarities. Both men are dissatisfied with the women around them and have yet to find one that meets their desire, physically and intellectually. When given the opportunity to shape and mold a woman to fulfill their standards, the men develop feelings and become affectionately attached. Shaw’s Pygmalion and its mythological counterpart have many parallels, but Eliza Doolittle’s character has more depth and independence. Henry Higgins is a self-proclaimed bachelor, who does not trouble himself with the company of female companions. As one of the few highly intellectual, educated men in

She meets Henry on the street as he is fleeing the storm seeking shelter; and his first impression is of a girl living in the gutter lacking manners and education. Eliza shows her lack of education and inability to speak properly when she says, “Cheer ap, Keptin’ baw ya flahr orf a pore gel”. Henry’s claim to fame is being able to identify a person’s home based on their accent as well as teaching proper English. Eliza overhears a conversation where Henry says he would be able to turn her into a duchess. Eliza is strong willed and proud, and she finds herself in his home asking to lessons to be a proper lady. She shows her strong personality in the way asks for lessons saying, “Good enough for ye-ooo. Now you know don’t you? I’m come to have lessons, I am. And pay for them te-ooo: make no mistake”. She maintains her personal character throughout the book, through witty remarks and regaining her independence.

Galatea differs from Eliza because she is purely a product of Pygmalion. Galatea was not a woman before he made her, she looks the way he wants her to look and is the woman he wants her to be. Galatea did not have the same opportunity as Eliza to became her own person and build her own personality. She is happy to be with Pygmalion no matter the circumstance because she was created for him and he is all she has ever