Pygmalion Essay

In George Bernard Shaw’s play, “Pygmalion,” he tells the tale of the clashes between high-class England, and the lower social classes that existed during the Victorian times. This, I believe, is very much like the world we live in today. So much in our world has to do with what class you are from, or what economical standing you are in. Also by showing that Eliza was able to move out of the lower class ways, and be molded into a higher society individual is true to our culture.
In this country, your class appearance says a lot about the kind of person you are. Even without any introduction or prior knowledge many people will either love you, or write you off based on your first appearance. This was the case in the Victorian Era in England. The upper-class could be identified by their superior demeanor and dress. Their words were spoken in perfect, flawless English. They used no slang or profanity because they considered that to be words of the slums.
A poor flower girl such as Eliza was easily identified as a low-class person. With her shabby clothes and uncleanliness, it was clear that she did not have an overload of money. Her slang terminology was evident during the first scene when she bumps into Freddy. In a hurry to find a taxi, Freddy bumps into Eliza. She then says, ”Nah then, Freddy. Look wh’y gowin, deah.” Not even knowing who he was, she calls him by his real name, but in reality, that was a common word used by lower-class girls that would have been used to address anyone. For blue-collar America, a respectable presentation is a must to survive. A hopeful in the business world must have a respectable appearance as well as educated etiquette.
In this play Shaw shows the transformation of Eliza from a common flower girl, to an elegant duchess. This is true of our society when hard work is put forth. Looking back through some of our countries most rich and famous people will show that many of them were not in the same class during their youth days. Look at many of our most famous sports stars, Oprah, and even our most recent president. Bill Clinton came from a very poor family from a very small town in the middle of Arkansas. Coming from a poor childhood, he became and educated and very respected politician and rose to the rank of President of the United States of America. This shows on of our most famous fellow Americans rose from nothing to the most respected position in the United States.
The principles and concepts of this play are very relevant to this day and age. It shows how class is an important factor into how you live your life. But it shows how one can change his etiquette and move up in the world. I believe that if someone were to do a remake in this day and age of the play, it would still be very applicable and understood.