Pygmalion: Act V

Two Kinds of Transformation

ACT V TWO KINDS OF TRANSFORMATION

1.Two Transformations

2.Creator/Creature vs. Self-Made Woman

3.Eliza’s Relapses: Class Issues

4.Higgins and Eliza’s Battle of Will

Starting Questions (1) 1. Two Transformations

1) Mr. Doolittle (pp. 89-93): what do you think about his transformation? Is it funny? Ironical? What does it say about Mr. Higgins and the issue of morality in Victorian society? And about Mr. Doolittle? Do you agree with him that taking the money and being intimidated by middle-class morality is the only choice he has?

2) How is he a contrast to Eliza? (re. money, class status and marriage)

2. Creator/Creature vs. Self-Made Woman

1) In what ways do Higgins, Mrs. Pearce, Pickering and Mrs. Higgins help Eliza get a better life? What does she achieve by herself?

Starting Questions (1) 3. Class

1) “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“ Do you agree?

2) Does Eliza have a “relapse” (to low-class manners) when she sees her father? (99)

4. Higgins and Eliza

1) Acts IV & V show Higgins undergoing changes regarding his views of and relation to Eliza. Where are the turning points and are there traces of his affection for her?

2) What do they each insist on and see as goals of their lives? What do you think about the ending of Act V? Would you be happy with it as the play’s ending (without the sequel)?

1. TWO TRANSFORMATIONS

1) Mr. Doolittle (pp. 89-93): --what do you think about his transformation? Is it funny? Ironical? What does it say about Mr. Higgins and the issue of morality in Victorian society?

-- And about Mr. Doolittle? Do you agree with him that taking the money and being intimidated by middle-class morality is the only choice he has?

2) How is he a contrast to Eliza? (re. money, class status and marriage)

Higgins’ Role in Mr. Doolittle’s Changes

1. the most original moralist at present in England (“a silly joke”) Wannafeller

2. “Dustman! Oh no, sir: a gentleman.”3. “Ruined me. Destroyed my happiness. Tie

d me up and delivered me into the hands of middle class morality” (91) “you, Enry Ig

gins”(90).

“you, Enry Iggins”(90).

Mr. Doolittle’s Changes• His changes (pp. 89-93): tied to middleclass morality and

intimidated. – [money] regular pension of 3 thousand a year on the

condition of giving 6 speeches a year for the Moral Reform World League.

– [money] [seen as a benefactor of relatives and patient of doctors] (92)

• Used to "put the touch" on anyone for drinking money Now everyone (50 relatives) comes to him, demanding favors and monetary support.

• Used to be shoved around (or “shut of”擺脫 ) by doctors and solicitors Now the center of their attention.

– [language] “'Ill have to learn to speak middle class language from you, instead of speaking proper English. That’s where you’ll come in; and I daresay that’s what you done it for.' ”

– [marriage] Has to get married. (100)

Mr. Doolittle’s Changes (2): Related Issues

A. “Creator” Henry Higgins’ is not careful about the changes he may bring to others;

B. Mr. Doolittle’s Education? Not really.

1. No choice: given the choice between “the Skilly of the workhouse and the Char Bydis of the middle class” (“Scylla and Charybdis” an Italian rock and a whirlpool nearby) Money is still attractive for him as an “undeserving poor,” since going to “the workhouse” (老年貧民收容所 ) is the only alternative.

2. Money – still selfish – Creates a sense of burden, too. (expected to be ‘respectable’

and to support others.)

– Cares about Eliza only in terms of middle class morality(95); does not want to support her.

C. Social Morality: superficial, promoted through making speeches?

Mr. Doolittle vs. Eliza—both “dis-classed”FatherFather

1. Through a “silly joke” of Higgins

2. Gain 3000 pounds a year.

1. Through a “silly joke” of Higgins

2. Gain 3000 pounds a year.

1. 'Enry Iggins‘90,952. With a lot of money, tied to

middleclass morality; sought after; refuses to take care of his daughter.

3. intimidated and cannot choose.‘4. [sequel]extremely popular in the

smartest society‘—upper class

1. 'Enry Iggins‘90,952. With a lot of money, tied to

middleclass morality; sought after; refuses to take care of his daughter.

3. intimidated and cannot choose.‘4. [sequel]extremely popular in the

smartest society‘—upper class

DaughterDaughter

1. self-motivated + H & P’s bet

2. goes for education (accent, manners and mind—more later).

1. self-motivated + H & P’s bet

2. goes for education (accent, manners and mind—more later).

1. “Aa-ooo” when seeing her father. (99) 'Enry Iggins‘ (108)

2. Has no money. 3. Improved her accent, language,

culture & mind;4. Needs respect and tenderess5. [sequel] chooses to work and

be independent.—middle class

1. “Aa-ooo” when seeing her father. (99) 'Enry Iggins‘ (108)

2. Has no money. 3. Improved her accent, language,

culture & mind;4. Needs respect and tenderess5. [sequel] chooses to work and

be independent.—middle class

2. CREATOR/CREATURE VS. SELF-MADE WOMAN

In what ways do Higgins, Mrs. Pearce, Pickering and Mrs. Higgins help Eliza get a better life?

What does she achieve by herself?

From Romance to Social RealismWhether as Pygmalion story or that of “self-made woman,”

Eliza’s story cannot be a complete success

From Romance to Social RealismWhether as Pygmalion story or that of “self-made woman,”

Eliza’s story cannot be a complete success

Creators, Helpers and “Creatures” • “Creator” Higgins Mr. D and Eliza, careless

about the other consequences • Helpers???

Pickering Yes: in her self-respect (courteous manners, preventing sexual exploitation) -- [sequel] offers financial support No: -- gets carried away by experiment and then its success; -- not know what to do but calling the police; -- suspects E of buying D clothes; -- does not understand E; asks Eliza back, but on Higgins’ side

Mrs. Pearce

Yes: –in manners (language, table manners and dressing) No: -- limited (glad to get help; can only say “You don’t think sir.”)

Mrs. Higgins

Yes: –In speaking for Eliza (Act III & V) and offering a space for negotiation. (94-96) No: -- the last ambiguous remark “I'm afraid you’ve spoiled that girl, Henry.”

Eliza’s Self-Transformation 1. Asserting herself;2. Fighting back in their battle of wills3. [sequel] Making a wise choice of “the weak”;4. [sequel] Continuous self-improvement

through going to classes

But – [sequel] a. She still needs financial support; b. She is still attracted to Higgins.

c. She is limited in receiving education.

3. CLASS ISSUES

1) “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“ Do you agree?

2) Does Eliza have a “relapse” (to low-class manners) when she sees her father? (99)

4-1. “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“

Yes and No.

Yes – One’s social identity is relational. We cannot insists on a certain identity unless we are recognized as such by others, or through some rituals.

No – Since social identity is relational, we need to produce signs and send out messages expressive of this identity.

Eliza’s Relapse?

A. Eliza – When seeing her father: a natural response,

which shows that one cannot forget one’s mother tongue completely.

– (p. 108) “Enry Iggins” – used consciously as a means of getting even or fighting back.

• Mr. Dolittle: – The father: “Enry Iggins” (90, 95) -- just a sign

of anger.

4. HIGGINS AND ELIZA’S BATTLE OF WILL

1) [Battle of Will] What do they each insist on and see as goals of their lives? How do they change their tactics to win the debate?

2) [Higgins’ changes] Acts IV & V show Higgins undergoing changes regarding his views of and relation to Eliza. Where are the turning points and are there traces of his affection for her?

3) [Ending] What do you think about the ending of Act V? Would you be happy with it as the play’s ending (without the sequel)?

First Battle in Act II

2nd Battle in Act IV

Their Battle of Wills in Act VHiggins Eliza

0. (96) – As possessive as a god; (97) – Does not trust Eliza’s improvement

(‘relapse’)

1. “real education” (97-98) cares about manners, proper language and respect;

[Asks her to go back. ]3. (after the interruption of Doolittle)[equality 1] (102)The same manner to everyone

2. [terms?] [usage as a maid] (102)

5. [Independence/arrogance] Can do without anyone.[with hummility] I shall miss you.

4. [attention & equal treatment](103) Will not be ‘passed over.’ Wants a sense of importance and respect.

6. [equality 2] care for humanity, refutes Eliza’s plea as commercialism; Offers fellowship and to adopt her,

but refuses to change.

7. [kindness] Eliza (104-05) Complains about the trouble he causes, not being ‘noticed.’ Still wants “a little kindness.” -- (106) Thinks of Freddy as a solution. Be natural, be friendly.

9 (the life of the gutter vs. the life of a scientist and lady)[recognition ad equality 3]Amazed at Eliza’s improvement in the mind. “Three old bachelors together.”

8. [Independence] ① marry Freddy② [strike back] Threatens to assist

the Hungarian or to use the knowledge he teaches her.

"By George, Eliza, I said I'd make a woman of

you; and I have"

"By George, Eliza, I said I'd make a woman of

you; and I have"

Summary: Higgins and Eliza’s Differences

• turning points – Act IV:

• 1) After E throws slippers at his face, H gets to understand Eliza’s concern;

• 2) H -- angered when Eliza separates her possession from his and returns him the ring;

– Act V: • 1) H -- nervous upon finding her gone (still sees her as

something from “the mud”; • 2) H –[offers] equal manners; offers good fellowship; • 4) E –[wants] tenderness & attention• 5) E –[fights back] marriage to Freddy; her livelihood as a

phonetics teacher or assistant to N.

• Higgins – unwilling to marry, to change his (lack of) manners or his treatment of Eliza as a housekeeper.

Higgins and Eliza: Traces of Their Mutual Affection

• (IV) never thought of her leaving; angered

• Higgins’ nervousness (“in a state”) when finding Eliza gone.

• To Doolittle: “Have you found Eliza? (91)

• Gets angry at the thought of Dolittle’s getting her back (93)

• [the moment he sees her]: “Get up and come home; and dont be a fool. ” (96)

• Eliza’s –• (103)“I know you did[know

she could leave], you brute. You wanted to get rid of me. ”

• Her pleas for “kindness.”(105)

• (109) As she is leaving Mrs. Higgins' house, she still offers advice “disdainfully” to Higgins' about his gloves, ties, cheese, and calls to remind Mrs. Pearce about the ham.

Eliza’s and Higgins’ ambiguous expressions

(103) LIZA. I dont care how you treat me. I dont mind your swearing at me. I dont mind a black eye: Ive had one before this. But [standing up and facing him] I wont be passed over.

HIGGINS Then get out of my way; for I won't stop for you. You talk about me as if I were a motor bus.

LIZA So you are a motor bus: all bounce and go, and no consideration for anyone. But I can do without you: Don't think I can't.

HIGGINS I know you can. I told you you could.LIZA. You wanted to get rid of me.HIGGINS LiarLIZA. Thank you.HIGGINS. You never asked yourself, I suppose, whether I could do

without you. [She sits down with dignity.]

LIZA [earnestly] Don't you try to get round me. You'll HAVE to do without me.

HIGGINS [arrogant] I can do without anybody…

Eliza: beating about the bushes, or striving for a kind of equality she cannot get from Higgins?

HIGGINS … Making life means making trouble.

LIZA I'm no preacher: I don't notice things like that. I notice that you don't notice me.

HIGGINS [jumping up and walking about intolerantly] Eliza: You‘re an idiot. I waste the treasures of my Miltonic mind by spreading them before you. …So you can come back or go to the devil: Which you please.

LIZA What am I to come back for?

HIGGINS [bouncing up on his knees on the ottoman and leaning over it to her] For the fun of it. That's why I took you on.

LIZA [with averted face] And you may throw me out tomorrow if I don't do everything you want me to?

HIGGINS Yes; and you may walk out tomorrow if I don't do everything YOU want me to.

LIZA And live with my stepmother?

HIGGINS Yes, or sell flowers.

LIZA Oh! if I only COULD go back to my flower basket! Freddy

…

LIZA [much troubled] I want a little kindness.

Equality?

That's just how I feel.

Ambiguities in their Relationship (2)

• Higgins: 1. Cannot live without her; shocked whenever E

mentions separation and marriage; does try to get her back.

2. (103) Recognizes her values; “I cant turn your soul on. Leave me those feelings; and you can take away the voice and the face. They are not you. ”

3. Changes (from seeing her as a guttersnipe to an intellectual equal).

4. Other signs: the ring, his efforts on her and

“spreading his mind” before her. Pickering! Nonsense: she's going to marry Freddy. Ha ha!

Freddy! Freddy!! Ha ha ha ha ha!! ! !! [He roars with laughter as the play ends]. ...

Are there chances for their getting married

at the end of Act V?

No, unless • Higgins is willing to change himself and be loving, or• Eliza is willing to stay unmarried and inferior to him.

More to discuss after you’ve read the sequel.

1. Eliza’s Education vs. Mr. Dolittle’s Transformation

2. The Themes of Pygmalion vs. Self-Made Woman

3. The use of coarse language as relapse or strategy

4. The battle of will between Higgins and Eliza

Notes –Rhetoric (ref. http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm)

• Pickering: this chap has a certain natural gift of rhetoric.  Observe the rhythm of his native woodnotes wild.  "I'm willing to tell you: I'm wanting to tell you: I'm waiting to tell you."  Sentimental rhetoric! 

• [figurative language] metaphor, personification; oxymoron

• [others] repetition; parallelism (Several parts of a sentence or several sentences are expressed similarly to show that the ideas in the parts or sentences are equal in importance.)

• reverse parallelism; “He labors without complaining and without bragging rests.” (He labors without complaining and rests without bragging.)

Notes –Rhetoric (2)

• sententia (quoting a maxim or wise saying to apply a general truth to the situation; concluding or summing foregoing material by offering a single, pithy statement of general wisdom)  e.g. “But, of course, to understand all is to forgive all.”

• Oxymoron – Eliza: deliciously low

Reference• Weintraub, Rodelle. “Bernard Shaw's Henry Higgins: a classic

aspergen. ”English Literature in Transition 1880-1920, Fall 2006 v49 i4 p388-98)