Lesson in Shaw's Pygmalion

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Lesson in Shaw's Pygmalion

Writing Pygmalion in a Play format allowed Shaw to present his

often-disputable views to an extended audience in a convenient,

enjoyable format. By using this means to put over his message the

audience is having a good night out at the theatre, as well as being

taught a lesson. Society was changing at an alarming rate and Shaw

wanted to make sure his audiences were pushed into thinking about

issues such as imminent feminism, the class system and the importance

in the way we speak. These were all relevant issues when the play was

1st performed in 1914.

Taught a Lesson to the audience

Cross over

Entertained the audience

Role Reversal

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In 1914 the attitude towards the roles of men and women was quite

different from today?s equal opportunities views. Men = brings money

in. Strong (physically and mentally)

Women = looks after family eg. cooks cleans. Weak (mentally and

physically)

In pyg weak men strong women, -give examples.

This is amusing as not thought of as the norm and shows how society is

changing.

Eg. Eliza feisty and determined.

Higgins immature

Humour

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The Friction between Eliza, Higgins and Doolittle. The way Higgins

reacts to Eliza and visa versa is ver y comical to the audience

because they wouldn?t think they would act like this.

- Links with Role reversal.

Language

Shaw believed the way we speak influences their perception of us. If

someone with a hars...

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