Henry Higgins

Definition

Henry Higgins is a central character in George Bernard Shaw's play 'Pygmalion', representing the archetype of the intellectual and social reformer. He is a phonetics expert who believes he can transform Eliza Doolittle, a lower-class flower girl, into a refined lady by teaching her proper speech and manners. Through Higgins, Shaw critiques social class structures and the superficial nature of society's perceptions of individuals based on their accents and behaviors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Henry Higgins embodies the social elite's attitude towards class and identity, highlighting Shaw's critique of societal norms.
2. His experimental approach to transforming Eliza emphasizes the power dynamics between the upper and lower classes.
3. Higgins's character reveals Shaw's belief that language is a key factor in determining social status.
4. The play raises questions about personal agency, as Eliza ultimately seeks independence from Higgins despite his influence on her transformation.
5. Higgins is often seen as both a sympathetic figure and an antagonist, reflecting the complexity of human relationships in the context of social reform.

Review Questions

• How does Henry Higgins serve as a reflection of societal attitudes towards class in 'Pygmalion'?
  • Henry Higgins epitomizes the prevailing attitudes of the upper class towards those from lower social standings. His belief that he can simply teach Eliza Doolittle to speak properly to transform her into a lady showcases the superficial judgments made based on speech and appearance. This dynamic allows Shaw to critique the notion that one's worth is determined solely by social class rather than individual merit.
• In what ways does Higgins's relationship with Eliza Doolittle illustrate the themes of power and control within 'Pygmalion'?
  • Higgins’s relationship with Eliza reveals significant themes of power and control, as he holds authority over her transformation process. He views Eliza more as a project than a person, leading to an imbalance in their relationship. While he helps her gain confidence and speech skills, he simultaneously reinforces his dominance, causing Eliza to struggle with her newfound identity and agency.
• Evaluate the impact of Henry Higgins's character on the broader themes presented in Shaw's social problem plays.
  • Henry Higgins serves as a critical lens through which Shaw explores broader themes of social class and identity in his social problem plays. By showcasing Higgins’s transformation of Eliza, Shaw highlights the artificiality of societal norms related to class and behavior. The complex dynamics between them not only reflect individual struggles for self-definition but also provoke discussions about the implications of societal structures on personal identity, making Higgins's character integral to understanding Shaw’s critiques of society.

Related terms

Pygmalion: 'Pygmalion' is a play by George Bernard Shaw that explores themes of social class, transformation, and identity through the relationship between Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle.

Social Problem Play: A genre of theatre that addresses social issues and challenges societal norms, often aiming to provoke thought and inspire change, characteristic of Shaw's works.

Eliza Doolittle: Eliza Doolittle is the protagonist in 'Pygmalion', a poor flower girl whose transformation into a lady serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of class, identity, and gender roles.