Eliza Doolittle

Definition

Eliza Doolittle is a central character in George Bernard Shaw's play 'Pygmalion,' representing the themes of class distinction and social mobility. As a flower girl with a strong Cockney accent, her transformation into a refined lady highlights the social issues and challenges of the time. Through her character, Shaw critiques the superficial nature of societal expectations and the limitations imposed by one's background.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eliza begins as a lower-class flower girl, but under Higgins' guidance, she learns to speak and act like a duchess, symbolizing the potential for change in society.
2. Her character raises questions about identity; as Eliza becomes more refined, she grapples with her true self versus the persona created by her new social status.
3. Eliza's transformation reflects Shaw's critique of classism and gender roles in early 20th-century Britain, showcasing how external changes do not necessarily lead to internal fulfillment.
4. The ending of 'Pygmalion' is ambiguous, as it challenges traditional romantic conclusions, emphasizing Eliza's independence over her dependence on Higgins.
5. Eliza Doolittle has become an iconic figure in theatre and popular culture, representing the struggles for self-improvement and societal acceptance.

Review Questions

• How does Eliza Doolittle's transformation throughout 'Pygmalion' reflect the themes of social mobility and identity?
  • Eliza Doolittle's transformation from a flower girl to a refined lady illustrates the theme of social mobility, emphasizing that one's background does not dictate their potential. As she learns to speak properly and adopt upper-class behaviors, Eliza struggles with her identity, questioning whether she is truly becoming someone else or simply masking her true self. This internal conflict highlights Shaw's critique of societal expectations and challenges the notion that outward appearances equate to genuine worth.
• In what ways does Shaw use Eliza Doolittle to critique the social norms of his time?
  • Shaw uses Eliza Doolittle's character to critique social norms by showcasing the absurdity of judging individuals based on their accents or class. Through her interactions with Henry Higgins and other characters, Eliza exposes the superficial standards that dictate social acceptance. Her journey also demonstrates how class distinctions can be artificially constructed and deconstructed, revealing that personal merit should outweigh societal labels. Ultimately, Eliza becomes a symbol of resistance against oppressive social structures.
• Evaluate the significance of Eliza Doolittle's ending in 'Pygmalion' and its impact on interpretations of female autonomy during Shaw's era.
  • The ending of 'Pygmalion,' where Eliza asserts her independence rather than conforming to Higgins' expectations, significantly impacts interpretations of female autonomy in Shaw's era. By choosing to define her own identity rather than being defined by her relationship with Higgins, Eliza embodies the emerging ideas of female empowerment and self-determination. This portrayal challenges traditional gender roles, encouraging audiences to rethink women's positions within society. Shaw's nuanced depiction of Eliza's struggle highlights the importance of personal agency in a world governed by rigid social hierarchies.

Related terms

Pygmalion: 'Pygmalion' is a play by George Bernard Shaw that tells the story of Eliza Doolittle's transformation from a poor flower girl into a sophisticated woman, showcasing themes of identity and social class.

Social Problem Play: A genre of theater that addresses social issues and challenges, aiming to raise awareness and provoke thought about societal norms and injustices.

Henry Higgins: Henry Higgins is a phonetics professor in 'Pygmalion' who takes on the challenge of transforming Eliza's speech and manners, serving as both her mentor and a representation of the upper class.