Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw | Plot Summary

Summary

In 'Pygmalion,' a sudden rainstorm in Covent Garden sets the scene for a bet between phonetics expert Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering. Higgins accepts the challenge to transform Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl, into a lady within six months. Through rigorous training, Eliza's transformation is tested and nearly succeeds, but Higgins' lack of consideration for her future ignites a dramatic confrontation. Eliza's departure leaves Higgins uncertain about their relationship's fate, highlighting themes of transformation, class, and self-worth.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ The play 'Pygmalion' begins with a sudden downpour in Covent Garden, causing a chaotic scene.
• 📝 A man, Henry Higgins, is observed taking notes on a flower girl's speech, indicating his interest in phonetics.
• 👴 An older gentleman, Colonel Pickering, is introduced as a speech expert and admirer of Higgins.
• 🏠 Higgins invites Pickering to his home the next day, setting the stage for the main plot.
• 💐 Eliza Doolittle, the flower girl, shows up at Higgins' home seeking to learn 'proper' speech.
• 💰 Pickering agrees to cover the expenses if Higgins can pass Eliza off as a lady within six months, turning the endeavor into a bet.
• 🗣️ Higgins begins rigorous tutoring of Eliza in speech and manners, aiming to transform her social status.
• 👗 Eliza's transformation is tested when Higgins takes her to meet his mother, revealing her progress and some remaining challenges.
• 😔 Despite a successful test, Mrs. Higgins criticizes Higgins and Pickering for their treatment of Eliza and the lack of consideration for her future.
• 😡 In a climactic scene, Eliza is enraged by Higgins' insensitivity and leaves him, asserting her independence.
• 🏠 The falling action reveals that Eliza has taken refuge with Higgins' mother, who supports her decision.
• 🤔 The resolution leaves Higgins uncertain about Eliza's departure, with her future and their relationship unresolved.

Q & A

What is the setting of the introduction in the play 'Pygmalion'?

The introduction takes place in Covent Garden, where a sudden downpour causes pedestrians to seek shelter or find taxis beneath the portico of St. Paul's Church.

Who are the three main characters gathered at St. Paul's Church in the beginning of the play?

The three main characters are a young flower girl, an older gentleman, and a man taking notes on the flower girl's speech.

What is the profession or expertise of the man taking notes on the flower girl's speech?

The man taking notes is Henry Higgins, a famous phonetics expert who is interested in the flower girl's 'curbstone English'.

What does Henry Higgins boast he can do for the flower girl?

Henry Higgins boasts that he could teach the flower girl to speak like a duchess in three months.

Who is Colonel Pickering and what is his relationship to Henry Higgins?

Colonel Pickering is an admirer and fellow speech expert of Henry Higgins.

What is the challenge that Colonel Pickering proposes to Henry Higgins?

Colonel Pickering challenges Higgins to pass off the flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, as a lady within six months, covering all the expenses if successful.

What is the name of the flower girl and what does she offer to pay Henry Higgins for?

The flower girl's name is Eliza Doolittle, and she offers to pay Higgins to teach her to speak more genteel.

How does Eliza Doolittle's first test of her newly learned skills go when she visits Higgins' mother?

Eliza's first test is a marginal success; she looks and acts the part of a fine lady, but her vocabulary and choice of topics reveal her humble beginnings.

What does Mrs. Higgins scold her son and Pickering for?

Mrs. Higgins scolds them for treating Eliza like a doll and not considering what will happen to her once the experiment is over.

What is the climax of the play when Eliza is enraged by Higgins' insensitivity?

The climax occurs when Eliza, enraged by Higgins' insensitivity, leaves him, slamming the door and staying with Higgins' mother.

What is the resolution of the play regarding Eliza's future with Higgins?

In the resolution, Eliza leaves Higgins, and he remains unsure whether she is gone for good, while she thanks Pickering for his respect and asserts that she no longer needs Higgins.