Shaw's view of women in Pygmalion
George Bernard Shaw saw women as active and dynamic, fighters for their rights. This is evident in his play Pygmalion, in which the protagonist, Eliza Doolittle, is a strong and determined young woman who breaks free from the constraints of her social class and gender.
At the beginning of the play, Eliza is a flower girl from the slums of London. She is intelligent and resourceful, but she is also trapped by her poverty and her lack of education. She dreams of a better life, but she knows that she can only achieve it if she can change her social status.
Eliza's opportunity comes when she meets Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert who is determined to teach her to speak like a lady. Higgins is a brilliant scientist, but he is also arrogant and misogynistic. He sees Eliza as an experiment, a challenge to his skills.
Eliza is initially intimidated by Higgins, but she quickly learns to stand up for herself. She is determined to learn everything he can teach her, and she is not afraid to challenge him. Over time, Eliza develops her own sense of self-worth and independence.
By the end of the play, Eliza has transformed herself into a cultured and intelligent young woman. She is no longer dependent on Higgins or anyone else. She is free to live her life on her own terms.
Evidence from the play
There are many examples of Eliza's strength and determination throughout the play. For example, when Higgins first meets Eliza, he is dismissive of her because of her social class and her accent. He tells her that she is "a common gutter-snipe" and that she will never be able to learn to speak like a lady.
However, Eliza refuses to be discouraged. She tells Higgins that she is determined to learn, and that she is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. She says, "I want to be a lady, and I'm going to be one."
Eliza's determination is evident in her dedication to her studies. She works tirelessly to learn new vocabulary and grammar. She also practices speaking in front of a mirror for hours each day.
Eliza's strength is also evident in her willingness to stand up to Higgins. When he is rude or condescending, she does not hesitate to challenge him. For example, when Higgins tells her that she is "not a human being" but simply "a talking parrot," she responds by saying, "I'm a human being, and I'm a very intelligent human being at that."
Conclusion
Eliza Doolittle is a complex and well-developed character who represents Shaw's view of women as active and dynamic, fighters for their rights. She is a strong and determined young woman who breaks free from the constraints of her social class and gender. She is an inspiration to women everywhere.