Pygmalion Themes

      A theme is a central idea or lesson about life that a story conveys. The play Pygmalion, written by George Bernard Shaw, explores many complex themes throughout its duration. These themes allow us to consider a variety of ideas such as identity, social status, linguistics, manners, and love. Appearances versus reality is a prominent theme in this play. Another controversial theme is presented through one of Pygmalion’s main characters, Higgins, who has his own philosophy on both manners and love. 

Pygmalion examines the theme of appearances versus reality mainly through the character of Eliza Doolittle. Professor Higgins tries and with remarkable success passes Eliza off as not just a duchess but a princess. The ability to fool society easily about her identity raises questions about appearances. In the Victorian era social status was viewed as natural and largely fixed. Although, Eliza simply learned the ways of the upper class and was accepted. There was never a question about where she came from. Eliza’s reality was that with a new social standing she could not simply go back to selling flowers. Appearances are again blurred with the Eynsford Hill family. They held on to their name as their source of social standing in society. The family was distinguished because of where they came from, not by what they had done. The reality is that the Eynsford Hill family was slowly running out of money and had no skills to fall back on. 

Professor Higgins’ philosophy on manners and love causes readers to contemplate their own views on the topics. Higgins is a professor of linguistics. In spite of his brilliant achievements, his manners are usually those of the worst sort. Although, he comes up with a justification for his behavior. Higgins says that he treats every soul equally. In his mind it is wrong to treat anybody, regardless of sex or class, as if he or she were less than human. I completely agree with the outlook Shaw gives Higgins. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, not as if they are above or below another human. A motto I try to live by is “treat others the way you want to be treated”. Higgins’ manners are just as strange as his views on love. With such an odd passion for language Higgins is convinced that he will never find a woman to love. His reasoning is that a woman could never have the same interest or views as he does. I believe Higgins means that during a relationship partners worry more about making each other happy and not about what makes themselves happy. 

Appearances versus reality and Higgins’ philosophies are two central themes that I believe cause readers to reconsider their own views. It also allows its readers to explore different outlooks on all social classes. Pygmalion is not only entertaining but almost educational. So many new ideas and topics are discussed throughout this play.