Plot

Plot:
The plot is the accumulation of mayor events within a literary work. The plot include
background information, rising actions, a climax, falling actions, and a resolution. The
plot of pygmalion is comprised of certain major events; meeting professor Higgins,
agreeing to becoming a proper, well-spoken lady, winning the bet by pulling it off, and
Eliza leaving.
Climax:
The climax of a literary work is the point in which the tension has built up, it proves to
be the most important point in a literary work. The climax of the play Pygmalion occurs
after the ambassadors ball. The men were both celebrating and enjoying themselves,
because they felt that they had accomplished their task. While Professor Higgins had
won his bet, Eliza was unsure of what would become of her. Eliza realizes that her life
has changed dramatically and does not know what her next step is. This is considered a
climax because the characters decisions and action could lead Eliza to continue being
the lady she has become or to return to the life she had before.
Denouement:
The simple definition of a denouement is the resolution, or the final scene of a literary
works. The denouement acts as the conclusion, which means that all conflicts are finally
resolved and all questions are answered for the reader. In the play Pygmalion, the
denouement was incomplete as the reader was only left asking more questions. Yes,
the reader was left with the fact that Eliza could be transformed and could easily fit into
the upper-class society. Although, the final scene was of Eliza and Freddy going to her
fathers wedding.Leaving the reader with the question of what would happen to Eliza?
What was her next step? Which life would she choose?
Crisis:
A crisis is known as the the time which the characters face the most difficulty and such
events could possibly alter the outcome. In Pygmalion, the crisis was clear as even the
reader could feel the tension which had built up. The big test in the play was whether
Eliza could fool those of the upper-class. One of the biggest events she attended was
the ball, even Professor Higgins knew that this would prove to be her big reveal into the
society. During the ball, the characters met Nepomuk, who was also a phonetics
professor. Both Pickering and Higgins were afraid that Nepomuk would discovery that
Eliza was not who she said she was. Such a situation is considered a crisis, as

Nepomuks conclusions could change the course of events and characters lives in the
play.
Complications:
A complication in a literary work is any event which could disrupts the plot and prevents
the characters from thriving. In the play Pygmalion both Professor Higgins and Pickering
face a complication which would prevent them from going through with the bet. Not once
did they think that Elizas family would be concerned about her and wonder where she
had gone. Therefore when Mr. Doolittle arrived the men were caught off guard because
he could very easily have taken Eliza away. Although the dodged the complication by
paying Mr. Doolittle a very small amount and he then left without even wanting to speak
to his daughter.

Setting
Setting:
The setting of a literary work is where the story takes place.The setting includes when
the story is occurring and the social structure which can affect decisions or characters
based on their gender or race.
Where: London, England
Where in London: Covent Garden, Henry Higgins' apartment, and Ms. Higgins'
apartment.
When: Early 20th century
Tone:
The tone is the attitude the writer has towards a subject or someone. The authors tone
can be detected by observing and picking up on the authors descriptions and word
choice when he/she refers to certain aspects. The tone is most evident when an authors
is referring to the characters in the work of literature. For example George Bernard
Shaw varies his description of the different characters in Pygmalion to emphasis his
attitude towards them. For example his description of Eliza after her transformation
captures Eliza's new found elegance and class. The same occurs with his description of
Henry Higgins. Shaw describes Professor Higgins as an appetizing sort of man and
vital , words which capture Higgins upper-class character.
Mood:

The mood of a literary work is established by the word choice and the feelings it evokes.
Pygmalion is meant to be entertaining as it is a play which is meant to be visual for the
audience. Most of it relies on the use of dialogue and because of the banter between
the characters the play ends up being comedic. There are only portions of the play in
which the mood shifts to seriousness. An example of this would between the ending of
the play when the Eliza poses the question of what is to happen to her next?
Cacophony:
A cacophony is a loud unexpected sound which attracts the readers attention. These
sounds are very evident in the play Pygmalion. Most of these sounds were produced by
Eliza in the play. Her response to taking a bath or the yelling and sounds she responds
with when she is frustrated. Even her pronunciation of the avowals would fall under an
example of cacophony.
Characters
Characterization:
Characterization is a literary device used by authors to establish round and dynamic
characters. Characterization is done in stages, the first stage includes the introduction of
the character. This includes the characters appearance, background information, and
behaviors. The second stage goes deeper into the characters thoughts and feelings, as
the character begins to express opinions or make decisions. While the third stage
includes the characters interactions with other characters and the way in which the
character interacts. There are two types of characterization, direct (explicit) or indirect
(implicit) characterization. Direct characterization involves one character or the narrator
to introduce and describe other characters. On the other hand indirect characterization
relies on the audience to pick up on the characters behavior or language to determine
the type of character. In the play Pygmalion, Bernard Shaw uses indirect
characterization to establish the character of Eliza Doolittle. The audience discovers a
small glimpse of Eliza's past when she is first introduced to Mrs. Higgins. Until that very
moment Eliza had spent her time being trained by Mr.Higgins on speaking and acting
properly. Introducing Eliza to his mother is a test on wether Eliza can pass of a an upper
class lady. It is during this meeting that Eliza begins to speak of her family who she grew
up with. The reader dissevers that her family members have a drinking problem and are
willing to cross lines in order to gain wealth. This shows the type of family Eliza was
brought up with and how they influenced her.
Protagonist:

The protagonist is the leading character or also referred to as the hero in a poem, play,
or narrative. In the play, Pygmalion, there are two central characters, which the story
could not progress without.
Henry Higgins- Professor Higgins is the one who set up the bet with Colonel Pickering
and allowed Eliza to stay in his home. Without Professor Higgins there wouldn't have
been a plot to begin with. Although Professor Higgins make come off as rude and
insulting, he is also gifted and caring at times. It is Henry Higgins that takes in Eliza,
provides a home, food, and clothing for her. Although his actions are only as a result of
a bet. He is responsible for helping Eliza leave her old life to train her so that she can be
a part of the higher class.
Eliza Doolittle- Eliza Doolittle is a young flower girl who attempts to make a living in the
streets of London. Her life is transformed by Professor Higgins. She is taught the proper
way of speaking, dressing, and acting during the time which she spends with Professor
Higgins. Eliza is faces many challenges as she is require to give up the life she knows
and must live with a hypercritical man. During the play the reader tends to side with
Eliza always wanting her to succeed because of how much effort she has put into
transforming herself.

Antagonist:
The real antagonist in the story is our very own society. Or at least Londons superficial
class based society at the time. Elizas main goal is to leave her old life behind so that
she can open up her own flower shop, while Professor Higgins plan is to fool all those of
the upper-class. The plot would not develop if it were not for the rigid standards already
set forth by society. It is society that causes problems for the protagonists of the play.
Although it seems as if Professor Higgins has stored up a lot of problems by putting
Eliza in such a position, the reader also understands that if it weren't for society those
problems wouldn't have existed in the first place.
Stereotype:
One of the most prominent stereotypes in the play is that of the role which women play
in upper-class England at the time. This becomes evident as the comparison is made
between women of the lower-class and women of the upper-class. Eliza wants to open
up her own flow shop and become independent. Although Professor Higgins only
provides one option for her. He offers help with finding a husband to marry so that she

can live a comfortable life. This same lifestyle becomes much more evident when the
reader is introduced to Mrs. Higgins, Mrs. and Miss Eynsford Hill.
Irony
Irony:
Irony is a figure of speech, which authors use words in a way that changes their true
meaning. During the first act of the play Professor Higgins insults Eliza multiple times,
one of the insults was referring to her as a squashed cabbage leaf. This is an example
of irony because Professor Higgins does not actual believe that Eliza is a squashed
cabbage leaf, instead he is comparing her to what it would look like.
Verbal Irony:
Speakers use verbal irony to say the opposite of what they truly mean. This could also
be indicated in their actions or emotions. What the speaker is saying is the complete
opposite of what he/she is thinking or doing. An example from Act V can help
demonstrate how verbal irony was used in the play.
Higgins: Don't you dare try this game on me. I taught it to you; and it doesn't take me
in. Get up and come home; and don't be a fool.
Mrs. Higgins: Very nicely put, indeed,Henry. No woman could resist such an invitation.
Dramatic Irony:
This type of irony differs from the other types. This is because such irony is only
understood by the audience but yet the character are unaware of it. In Act III Eliza is
introduced to Mrs. Higgins and the Eynsford Hill. This is the first time that Eliza has
made a public appearance after much improvement due to the lessons Higgins has
given to her. The reader is very aware of the fact that Eliza is putting on an act that she
is only a flower girl. Although the Eynsford Hills treat her differently just because of the
way, she is dressed, acts, and speaks. They believe that Eliza is a respectable and
cultured young lady. But little do they know that Eliza comes from the streets of London.
Satire:
A writer employs satire to critique and suggest that an individual or society is foolish in
certain aspects. The play acts as a satire, as George Bernard Shaw critiques the rigid
British class system. He does so by attacking the flaws of the system through Eliza
Doolittle. The flower girl was readily accepted by the upper-class, only because of the
few changes to the way she spoke and her clothing. The upper-class was so easily
fooled by Eliza's beauty and clothes that they could not see that she did not belong.The

satire extends because it is Professor Higgins a member of the upper-class which bets
on the fact that he could fool the others. This is shown during the play as Eliza is said to
have been a Royal Austrian during the ball. The satire becomes much more clear at the
end of the play as Eliza leaves Mr. Higgins. Eliza claims that being a lady doesn't just
depend on the beautiful dresses, it mostly depends on her inner beauty and goodness.
Although the reader knows that this is not a true fact because the members of the
upper-class never got to know the real Eliza. Instead they just based their opinions on
how Eliza dressed and spoke.
Themes and Symbols
Symbols:
Symbolism is at times an object that takes for of a meaning or something much more
deeper then what it actually. Symbols are left up to the readers interpretation as each
reader may give something its own meaning. One of the repeating symbols throughout
the play is the clothing. It is apparent even in the very beginning of the play that it is the
clothing which changes Eliza's appearance. When Eliza is first given a bath and is
cleaned up, her own father does not recognize her to begin with. Which goes to show
how important the clothing in this story can be. It is the clothes in the story which help
distinguish the different social classes, but also the different professions. Although
Henry Higgins is a language specialist and it is apparent that Eliza wouldn't have been
able to convince anyone of her social standing if it wasn't for her clothing.
Themes:
Beauty can be deceiving in a society which relies on appearance to make its judgments. Eliza's
persona is made up of the shoes, gowns, and hats she wore. In this case beauty was most
certainly deceiving as everyone believed Eliza only because of her appearance. Mr. Higgins
used his talents to shape Eliza into what the public wanted to see her as. It is all about what the
public perceives, Eliza, who is exquisitely dressed, produces an impression of such remarkable
distinction and beauty as she enters that they all rise, quite flustered.

Allegory:
An allegory is a figure of speech, and unlike a symbol it utilizes a combination of
characters, figure, and events to stand for an idea. In the play, Pygmalion, George
Bernard Shaw includes a reference to to a Greek mythological figure, Narcissus. The
Greek Gods wanted to punish Narcissus for his action, so when he looked into the river
and saw his reflection, he immediately fell in love with himself. Narcissus later on killed
himself because this was not the type of love that could continue. In Act II, Eliza has a

fear of the looking-glass, which indicates that she could possibly have a fear of facing
the same deadly fate.
Allusions:
An allusion is usually a brief reference to a person or place that has a certain
significance. The author does not necessarily attempt to make an obvious reference.
Instead it is a very simple reference that the author knows a reader will spot it. In the
play Pygmalion, the allusion is very subtle as it is a simple reference to the Palace.
There was no need for the author to explain what Buckingham Palace is as most people
have the basic knowledge.
Literary Element
Foreshadowing:
Foreshadowing is a literary device which authors use that develops the plot while also
giving the reader subtle hints about what is to come. Most of the hints are so subtle that
the reader may not realize it had been a hint until the plot progresses. Although in some
cases the hints help the reader have an idea of where the story or play will go. In
Pygmalion the foreshadowing is not as subtle as in the first act Professor Higgins
introduces the idea of him transforming someone with a cockney accent into a proper
duchess. This was a clear indication that Higgins will take that challenge. As the reader
continues the play they find that Professor Higgins does take Eliza and transform her
into a proper lady.

Burlesque:
A burlesque attempts to ridicule by using exaggeration or imitation of something. An
example of a burlesque in Pygmalion was in Act I. Professor Higgins imitates Eliza
Doolittle's cockney accent. This is considered a burlesque because Professor Higgins is
so well spoken and proper, that to hear him attempt to replicate the sounds which Eliza
makes, causes the readers to laugh.
Effect:
The effect includes any type of description the writer makes about what the
surroundings look like or what it smells like, or the sounds around. In Pygmalion, each
act or transition of a scene begins with the description of what the surrounding look like,
this keeps the reader involved and gives them the ability to imagine the scene. An

example from the play would be in Act II, the description of Higginss laboratory, The
double doors are in the middle of the back wall; and persons entering find in the corner
to their right two tall file cabinets at right angles to one another against the walls. In this
corner stands a flat writing-table, on which are a phonograph, a laryngoscope, a row of
tiny organ pipes with a bellows,.
Sarcasm:
Sarcasm is the use of both satire and irony together. This means that the tone and the
words the speaker is using do not necessarily mean what is actually being said, intact it
means the opposite. Sarcasm is meant in a mocking manner or purely for the sense of
amusement. Professor Higgins tends to use sarcasm in the most cruel way, especially
when he speaks to Eliza or about her. In act two when Eliza shows up at Professor
Higgins home, his response to her arrival was, "Shall we ask this baggage to sit down,
or shall we throw her out of the window?" Higgins will obviously not throw Eliza out of
the window and it is evident that it is sarcasm.
Simile:
To show similarities between two different things, writers use a figure of speech known
as a simile. The comparison is done so by using the words like or as. An example of
a simile would be the phrase cute as a kitten. An individuals appearance is compared
to the cuteness of a small kitten. An example of a simile in pygmalion would be
Professor Higgins description of the garden party. Higgins says, Yes, for the first three
minutes. But when I saw we were going to win hands down, I felt like a bear in a cage,
hanging about doing nothing. This was Professor Higgins way of expelling about how
trapped and useless he felt during the party.
Metaphor:
Unlike a simile a metaphor is a literary device that makes the comparison between two
things that are the complete polar opposites, only having small similarities. a simple
example of a metaphor would be life is a roller coaster. This compares the ups and
downs of life to the twists, turns, ups, and downs of a roller coaster. In Act II of
Pygmalion Eliza refers to Professor Higgins as a great brute. She compares Mr.
Higgins and his treatment of her to an animal.