Eliza Doolittle

Definition

Eliza Doolittle is a central character in George Bernard Shaw's play 'Pygmalion,' representing the struggle for social mobility and the challenges of personal transformation. As a flower girl with a strong Cockney accent, her journey to learn proper speech and manners under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins serves as a critique of the class distinctions prevalent in early 20th-century British society. Her character encapsulates themes of identity, transformation, and social critique, showcasing Shaw's wit in examining societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eliza begins as a poor flower girl who speaks with a heavy Cockney accent, illustrating her low social standing.
2. Throughout the play, Eliza undergoes a significant transformation, learning to speak and act like a lady, which raises questions about her true identity.
3. Her relationship with Professor Higgins highlights issues of power dynamics and gender roles, as he seeks to 'improve' her while ignoring her feelings.
4. Eliza's struggle is not just about speech but also about self-worth and independence, ultimately leading her to assert her own identity apart from Higgins.
5. The ending of 'Pygmalion' leaves Eliza's future ambiguous, sparking debates about whether she will conform to societal expectations or forge her own path.

Review Questions

• How does Eliza Doolittle's character development throughout 'Pygmalion' reflect Shaw's views on social mobility?
  • Eliza Doolittle's character development demonstrates Shaw's critique of social mobility by showing how external appearances and speech can impact one's social status. Initially seen as a mere flower girl due to her accent and poverty, Eliza's transformation into a refined lady exposes the superficiality of class distinctions. However, her journey also raises questions about whether true identity can be achieved through such changes or if it merely reinforces societal expectations.
• Discuss the significance of Eliza's relationship with Professor Higgins in shaping the themes of 'Pygmalion.'
  • The relationship between Eliza and Professor Higgins is pivotal in exploring themes of power and identity in 'Pygmalion.' Higgins views Eliza primarily as a project rather than an individual with agency, which highlights the gender dynamics of their interaction. This power imbalance complicates Eliza's transformation; while she gains social status, she simultaneously struggles with her self-worth and independence, reflecting Shaw's commentary on the nature of personal growth versus societal expectations.
• Evaluate the ending of 'Pygmalion' and its implications for Eliza Doolittle’s character regarding autonomy and self-identity.
  • The ambiguous ending of 'Pygmalion' invites deep analysis of Eliza Doolittle’s autonomy and self-identity. After her transformation, Eliza confronts Higgins about her independence, suggesting that she is no longer willing to be defined solely by his perceptions. This moment signifies her assertion of agency; however, it also poses questions about whether she will revert to traditional roles or embrace her newfound identity. Shaw leaves this open-ended conclusion to provoke thought about societal pressures versus personal choice, highlighting the complexity of self-identity amidst external expectations.

Related terms

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social hierarchy, often influenced by education, income, and social class.

Phonetics: The branch of linguistics that deals with the sounds of human speech, which plays a crucial role in Eliza's transformation as she learns to speak more 'refined' English.

Class Distinction: The differences in social status and wealth that separate different groups within society, a central theme in Shaw's examination of British society.