Pygmalion
A witty exploration of class, identity, and transformation
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW author Nicholas Grene editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:30th Jan '03
Should be back in stock very soon
This classic tale follows a Cockney flower girl's transformation into a lady, exploring themes of class, identity, and women's independence in Pygmalion.
In Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw presents a captivating tale of transformation that intertwines fantasy with a critical examination of social class, wealth, and women's autonomy. The story follows Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who aspires to rise above her humble beginnings. Under the tutelage of phoneticist Henry Higgins, she embarks on a journey to shed her working-class identity and gain acceptance in high society. Shaw's sharp wit and keen observations highlight the absurdities of the British class system, making the narrative both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The dynamics between Eliza and Higgins serve as a focal point of the narrative, showcasing the tension between creator and creation. Higgins, the self-proclaimed expert, is determined to mold Eliza into a refined lady, yet he fails to recognize her individuality and strength. As Eliza evolves, she challenges the limitations imposed upon her, embodying the struggle for self-identity and independence. This transformation raises questions about the true nature of class and the societal expectations placed on women.
Originally captivating audiences in 1914, Pygmalion remains relevant today as it explores themes of identity, power, and the complexities of human relationships. Shaw's clever dialogue and memorable characters ensure that this classic work continues to resonate, inviting readers to reflect on their own views regarding class and gender roles.
By the Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature
“[Shaw] did his best in redressing the fateful unbalance between truth and reality, in lifting mankind to a higher rung of social maturity. He often pointed a scornful finger at human frailty, but his jests were never at the expense of humanity.”—Thomas Mann
“Shaw will not allow complacency; he hates second-hand opinions; he attacks fashion; he continually challenges and unsettles, questioning and provoking us even when he is making us laugh. And he is still at it. No cliché or truism of contemporary life is safe from him.” —Michael Holroyd
“In his works Shaw left us his mind. . . . Today we have no Shavian wizard to awaken us with clarity and paradox, and the loss to our national intelligence is immense.” —The Sunday Times
“He was a Tolstoy with jokes, a modern Dr. Johnson, a universal genius who on his own modest reckoning put even Shakespeare in the shade.” —The Independent
“His plays were superb exercises in high-level argument on every issue under the sun, from feminism and God, to war and eternity, but they were also hits—and still are.”—The Daily Mail
ISBN: 9780141439501
Dimensions: 199mm x 129mm x 10mm
Weight: 113g
144 pages