Pygmalion (Dover Thrift Editions)
by George Bernard Shaw
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Book Summary Information
Author: George Bernard ShawEdition: Paperback
Published: 1994-10-20
ISBN: 0486282228
Number of pages: 96
Publisher: Dover Publications
Book Reviews of Pygmalion (Dover Thrift Editions)
Book Review: Higgins: "Oh, I can't be bothered with young women....Besides, theyre all idiots."
Summary: 4 Stars
Oh my! I love it! G.B. Shaw's character Henry Higgins is disdainful, petulant and impetuous. Simultaneously he's admirable and even a man to be envied! Disdainful because of his complete lack of proper manners, total lack of tact and disgraceful way in which he devalues a young woman for his professional experiments; enviable because in his lack of tact he pretty much says whatever's on his mind, not being burdened with what might be better left unsaid; what is socially acceptable. And honestly, I'm sure we've all had those days where we'd just like to "pull a Higgins" and tell the world what we really think! The difference is he does it, but most of us don't.
I know this wasn't written as a comedy, but this play really has some very funny scenes. I could go through and point out numerous exchanges in dialogue between Eliza and Higgins that are just a riot; Higgins and his overly honest opinions and Eliza as she calls him to task towards the end of the play for the manner in which she has been treated. Indeed, I'm sure analytical essays and social discourses could be written, and probably have been, on the relationships in this play.
This play really should be read with some level of cerebral engagement by the reader; the reader is well served to read it with sincerity and thought, to make an effort to be engaged and to pick-up the subtleties and moral points presented by Shaw. Though we're nearly 100 years removed from when this play was first released, Shaw presents some social commentary and moral points that are still very relevant and spot-on today. Unfortunately, I think some readers today will completely miss the points Shaw seeks to bring to fore.
Finally, the play on language and classes is perfect for the English setting. A question as to whether those themes might play well outside of England is answered by the global success and longevity of the play. Class systems and divisions of socioeconomic status, whether based on language, race, religion, etc, are global and universal. An audience most anywhere will understand the underlying themes that Shaw presents in Pygmalion even though the use of language and accents may be uniquely English. This play continues to be a favorite of audiences even after a century (it plays in my town next week at the local summer outdoor theater).
Summary of Pygmalion (Dover Thrift Editions)
A rousing success on the London and New York stages, a popular film and a great musical hit (My Fair Lady), this brilliantly written play, with its irresistible theme of the emerging butterfly, is one of the most acclaimed comedies in the English language.
George Bernard Shaw's brilliant comedy about class and a flower girl.
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