Character Analysis of Alfred Doolittle

Alfred Doolittle is a humorous and important character in Pygmalion. Shaw uses Doolittle mainly to criticise middle-class morality and social class distinctions. Through him, Shaw shows how society judges people differently based on class and money.

As his name suggests, Doolittle prefers to do as little work as possible. He works as a dustman because it is easier than doing regular hard work. He proudly says that his low social position frees him from middle-class morals and responsibilities. He enjoys being poor because he does not have to behave “respectably.”

When Doolittle first appears, he pretends to be a caring and virtuous father who has come to protect his daughter Eliza. Soon, it becomes clear that this is false. He had thrown Eliza out years ago and was never married to her mother. When his act fails, he shamelessly tries to sell Eliza to Higgins and Pickering for money. This shows his selfish and immoral nature.

Despite his bad behaviour, Doolittle is very intelligent and speaks in a lively, witty manner. His powerful and humorous language impresses Higgins and Pickering. He cleverly argues that too much charity is given to the “deserving poor” and that the “undeserving poor” also have the right to enjoy life. He even promises that if given money, he will spend it on drinking and return to work soon after. His originality and boldness finally convince Higgins and Pickering to give him some money.

In the final act, Doolittle becomes rich due to an unexpected inheritance. Ironically, this forces him into middle-class life and morality, which he hates. He now has responsibilities and must behave respectably. Although his nature does not change, his situation does.

Through Alfred Doolittle, Shaw satirises social morals and shows how money and class force people into roles they may not want. Doolittle represents the freedom of the poor and the burden of respectability that comes with wealth.