Pygmalion is a play written by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913. The story centers around Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, who makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can transform Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl with a strong Cockney accent, into a refined lady who can pass as a duchess at a high-society event. Higgins takes Eliza into his home and begins teaching her how to speak and behave like someone of the upper class, focusing on her pronunciation and etiquette.
As the play progresses, Eliza’s transformation challenges not only society’s views on class and identity but also the relationship between teacher and student. Despite her outward change, Eliza struggles with her sense of self and independence. The play ends on an ambiguous note, highlighting themes of social mobility, gender roles, and personal agency. Shaw uses wit and satire to critique the rigid British class system and explore the power dynamics involved in shaping one’s identity.
