Plot of Pygmalion

 

Essay-Type Answer

Pygmalion, written by George Bernard Shaw, is a social comedy that explores the power of language, education, and social class in society. The play presents how external changes, especially in speech and manners, can influence a person’s social identity, while also questioning whether such changes bring true respect and happiness.

The play begins on a rainy night in London, where people from different social classes take shelter outside a theatre. Among them is Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl who speaks in a crude local dialect. She is mocked by others for her manner of speaking. At the same time, Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics, is observed taking notes of people’s speech. He claims that he can identify a person’s place in society simply by listening to their accent. Higgins boldly states that he could transform Eliza into a refined lady by teaching her proper pronunciation.

Eliza later visits Higgins’ house with the hope of learning correct English so that she can get a respectable job in a flower shop. Higgins treats this as a scientific experiment rather than a human responsibility. Colonel Pickering, a kind and polite gentleman, agrees to support Higgins in this experiment. Eliza undergoes strict and exhausting training in speech, manners, and behaviour. Though Higgins is rude and insensitive, Eliza works hard and gradually improves.

The first test of Eliza’s transformation takes place at Mrs. Higgins’ at-home gathering, where she speaks correctly but uses inappropriate topics. The final test occurs at a grand social event, where Eliza successfully passes as a high-class lady. Everyone is convinced of her refinement, and Higgins proudly declares the experiment a success.

However, after the achievement, Higgins ignores Eliza’s feelings and treats her as a mere object of his experiment. This deeply hurts Eliza, who realizes that though her speech has changed, her dignity has not been acknowledged. She asserts her independence and decides not to remain dependent on Higgins. By the end of the play, Eliza emerges as a confident and self-respecting individual who understands her own worth.

Thus, Pygmalion is not merely a story of linguistic transformation but a powerful commentary on social class, human dignity, and the importance of respect. Shaw effectively shows that true change lies not only in outward appearance but in inner self-confidence and equality.

 

The play highlights that education can change social position, but self-respect and humanity define true transformation.

 

Plot of Pygmalion

150–200 Words

Pygmalion is a social comedy written by George Bernard Shaw. The play highlights the role of language and education in shaping social identity and questions social class distinctions.

The story begins in London with Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl who speaks in a rough local dialect and is looked down upon by society. She meets Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics, who claims that a person’s social position can be changed by improving speech. Eliza goes to Higgins to learn proper English so that she can earn a respectable living. Higgins treats her as an experiment, while Colonel Pickering supports the training.

Eliza undergoes strict training in pronunciation and manners. Through hard work, she successfully passes as a refined lady at high-society gatherings. Higgins proudly declares the experiment successful.

However, Higgins ignores Eliza’s emotions and treats her as an object rather than a human being. Eliza realizes that real change is not only about speech but also about self-respect. She asserts her independence, proving that dignity matters more than social appearance.