55
Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Pygmalion: Act V & the PostscriptTwo Kinds of Transformation

And More …

Page 2: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Outline

• Act V1. Two Transformations2. Creator/Creature vs. Self-Made Woman 3. Eliza’s Relapses: Class Issues 4. Higgins and Eliza’s Battle of Will

• Postscript & Conclusion 1. Romance, Eliza’s decision & Higgins’ 2. Consequences: Eliza’s and Freddy’s marriage

and families, their residence and livelihood, their ‘education.’

3. Clara 4. Summary Next Week

Page 3: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Housekeeping First• 1) 11/27 5:00 pm costume and prop requests• 2) 11/28 noon -- the tech. negotiation meeting.• 3) 11/28 5:00 pm final version of your scripts, actor lists

and job lists• 4) next Monday 12/1 12:15 - 1:30 Learning how to use

the control rooms (lighting and sound): Andrew will take attendance at 12:15.

• 5) costumes and props --12/3 12:30 – 1:30 trying out what you choose

• 6) 12/10 -- rehearsal 12:00 - 3:45 (sandwiches prepared) I need one group volunteering to be the last.

• 6) 12/12 -- actual performance (the theatre will be open for you at 8:00)(dumplings and potstickers as lunch)

Page 4: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Performances Today 11:00 – 12:00

11:00 – 11:10 Group 1 & 2

11:10 – 11:20 Group 3 & 4

11:20 – 11:30 Group 5 & 6

11:30 – 11:40 Group 7 & 8

11:40 – 11:50 Group 9 & 10

11:50 – 12:00 Group 11 & 12

SM & Crew: What did you do last week? -- Write on the board.

Page 5: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

ACT V-1 TWO KINDS OF TRANSFORMATION

Page 6: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Group 5 & 6 . 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) Group 3 & 4 Eliza’s transformation: In what ways do

Higgins, Mrs. Pearce, Pickering and Mrs. Higgins help Eliza get a better life?

– What does she achieve by herself?

11/28 Class Discussion Questions On Act V & Postscript; Post your group responses before class

Page 7: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Group 11 & 12. “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“ Do you agree?

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

Group 9 & 10. Battle of Will] What do they each insist on and see as goals of their lives in Act 5? How do they change their tactics to win the debate? 1) [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?

11/28 Class Discussion Questions On Act V & Postscript; Post your group responses before class

Page 8: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Starting Questions (1) 1. Group 5 & 6 One of the 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. Group 3 & 4 Eliza’s -- 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?

Page 9: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Starting Questions (1) 3. Group 11 & 12 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)?

Page 10: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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)

Page 11: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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).

Page 12: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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)

Page 13: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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?

Page 14: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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

Page 15: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

ACT V-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

Page 16: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.”

Page 17: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 18: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

V-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)

Page 19: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 20: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 21: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

V-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)?

Page 22: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

First Battle in Act II

Page 23: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

2nd Battle in Act IV

Page 24: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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 humility] 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"

Page 25: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 26: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 27: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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…

Page 28: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 29: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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]. ...

Page 30: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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.

Page 31: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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

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

3. Class Relations: The use of coarse language as relapse or strategy

4. The battle of will between Higgins and Eliza

Page 32: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Pygmalion

the Sequel and

Conclusion

Page 33: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Group 1 & 2 The Ending -- What do you think about the ending of Act 5? Is it possible for Eliza and Higgins to get married?

Compare this ending with the endings -- suggested by the Postscript-- of the film versions of Pygmalion (1938 and 1973 BBC

version) and My Fair Lady?

Group 7 & 8 In what ways does the Sequel ‘revise’ Pygmalion as a romance? Or deny that it is a romance? -- What are the reasons added here against Eliza’s staying with Higgins as a soul mate?

-- Why  does it also introduce the changes of Clara? 

11/28 Class Discussion Questions On Act V & Postscript; Post your group responses before class

Page 34: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

The Sequel

1. Romance, Eliza’s decision & Higgins’ 2. Consequences: Eliza’s and Freddy’s

marriage and families, their residence and livelihood, their ‘education.’

3. Clara Do you agree with Shaw?

Page 35: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

1-1. Conventions of Romance Denied

• 1. Our imaginations have been enfeebled by “their dependence on the ready-mades and reach-me-downs (made for nobody in particular) of the ragshop in which Romance keeps its stock of "happy endings" to misfit all stories.

• 2. Eliza’s transformation: Not an uncommon story.• 3. Does the hero have to marry the heroine? (Do the

married couple live happily ever after?)• 4. Eliza and Freddy’s marriage and their shop.

Page 36: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

1-2. Factors in Eliza’s Decision 1. Eliza’s Status:

• (111) Her decision depends on “whether she is really free to choose.” She is, since she is young and pretty.

• “Eliza's instinct tells her not to marry Higgins. It does not tell her to give him up.” What does this mean?

2. Higgins: a. His love of his Mother– Typical of an “imaginative boy” with an intelligent

and graceful mother. (112) Leads to “a disengagement of his affections, his sense

of beauty, and his idealism from his specifically sexual impulses ”

b. His interest in Milton and the Universal Alphabet (113)

Page 37: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

1-2. Factors in Eliza’s Decision2. Higgins’ – 113

c. her resentment of Higgins's domineering superiority,d. her mistrust of his coaxing cleverness in getting

round her and evading her wrath when he had gone too far with his impetuous bullying.

(113) Eliza and Freddy • He is a gentleman; • He is weak, thus attracted to Eliza as a strong

woman. (conclusion 115: “Will she look forward to a lifetime

of fetching Higgins's slippers or to a lifetime of Freddy fetching hers? […] Unless Freddy is biologically repulsive to her [. . .]”)

* Do you agree with Eliza’s or with Shaw’s reasons?

Page 38: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Do you want to marry one that is weaker than you, or stronger? (ref. p. 114)

• When a lion meets another with a louder roar "the first lion thinks the last a bore." The man or woman who feels strong enough for two, seeks for every other quality in a partner than strength.

• weak people want to marry strong people who do not frighten them too much; and this often leads them to make the mistake we describe metaphorically as "biting off more than they can chew."

Page 39: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

1-2. Factors in Eliza’s DecisionKate’s personal views: Agree-- “strength” not the most important factor1. There is a lot to consider in choosing one’s spouse.

(Besides love, pattern of relationship, status, sexual attraction, money, one’s age and the choices available.)

2. Eliza should not stay with one who is domineering and refusing to change.

Disagree – 1. Does the strong one really want to marry a weak one?

Or maybe there is attraction of two who are congenial to but different from each other.

2. Why are there just these two choices for Eliza? Couldn’t she work and wait a bit? (But at that time staying single “may not be” a choice for her.)

3. Why is there only description of Eliza’s secret affection for Higgins (124), but not the other way around?

Page 40: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Higgins’ “Secret” Affection

• For his mother? (Oedipal attachment to his mother)

• For Pickering?

• There is no absolute difference between homosexuality and homosociality esp. at a time when sex was a taboo.

Page 41: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

2. Consequences• Money:

– Freddy – no money, no job. – Doolittle – not willing to offer support. – Honeymoon would have been penniless without P’s

support– Uses the gift of 500 pounds for a long time; keeps

getting supported by the two bachelors • Residence

– Considers living with the two bachelors• Occupation

– Opens a flower shop with the support of Pickering. (117)

– Finally earning money.

• Education (122) (to write, shorthands and polytechnic (工藝 ) class– Not really helpful.

Page 42: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Eliza’s Relation with Higgins after her marriage

• Still lives in Wimpole Street; still nagging; • Still jealous of other women; • Cannot become a professional

phonetician (no right to meddle with “his” knowledge.

• her secret wish to be alone on a "desert island" with Higgins to seduce him.

Page 43: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

3. Clara

• 1. changed under the influence of Eliza’s transformation, H. G. Wells and the novelist Galsworthy to realize the vanity and unimportance of her class;

• 2. works at a furniture store.

Page 44: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

4. Conclusion1. Pygmalion & Romance2. Comedy of Manners -- Language and the Other Social

Markers//Appearance vs. Reality1. Manners: Pronunciation, Handwriting, Dress, manners, interest, 2. Marriage and Family3. Morality – Class-bound? Prudery made fun of.

3. Class Differences & Social Mobility 1. The ways upper class is presented – useless or fashionable2. The background Shaw offers (in Act I and the Sequel) –of social

climbing3. Eliza’s, Doolittle’s and Clara’s different kinds of changes

4. Scientific Creation, Education & Human Concern1. Professionalism (with Ideals) Higgins vs. Nepommuck2. The Roles of Money 3. Respect for others

Page 45: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Conclusion (2)5. Other Possible Readings: (For your reference ONLY)-- Higgins as one suffering from Asperger’s syndrome (a kind of

autism) (Weintraub)

--Aspergen “has difficulties in social interaction, lacks empathy, or has difficulties with it, has trouble with social role-taking and has unusual responses to the environment similar to those in autism.” --can achieve success in some specialized academic subjects.

E.g. computer programmers, dentists, scientists.

-- examples– of Higgins’ insensitivity to Eliza’s feelings Act II; – of his rude social behavior, lack of manners Acts I & III– of his exclusive interest in languages and accents

Page 46: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Do you agree?Class – -- Eliza: “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not

how she behaves, but how's she's treated.” -- Higgins: “The great secret, Eliza, is not having bad manners or

good manners or any other particular sort of manners, but having the same manner for all human souls: in short, behaving as if you were in Heaven, where there are no third-class carriages, and one soul is as good as another.” (1236) --generalization

Manners: -- “[People’s saying] [w]hat they think they ought to think is bad

enough, Lord knows; but what they really think would break up the whole show. [. . . ] We are all savages . . . (Act 3)

Life: -- “What is life but a series of inspired follies?” (Act 2) –rhetorical

questions-- “If you cant appreciate what you’ve got, youd better get what

you can appreciate.” (Act 5) – sententia (使用警句 ,格言see Notes)

Page 47: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Notes –Act V: 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.)

Page 48: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Notes –Act V: 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

Page 49: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Notes –Sequel• H. G. Wells (who influences Clara) – a socialist and Utopia

novelist (work: The Time Machine) – “Passionate concern for society led Wells to join the socialist

Fabian Society in London, but he soon quarreled with the society's leaders, among them George Bernard Shaw.”

• Kew Gardens (p. 122 “Combination of London School and Kew Gardens”) -- the Royal Botanic Gardens

• Nell Gwynne: (1650-1687)-- who originally sold oranges in the precincts of the Drury Lane Theatre;

-- became an actress at the age of only fifteen;

-- became the mistress of King Charles II,

from 1670 until his death, and

thus popular to the public.

Page 50: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …
Page 51: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Next Week

• Poetry I: Lyric and Tone 

[Reading and Paraphrase]

Group 1-2: W. Carlos Williams “This is just to say” (p. 797); Group 3-4: Chasin, Helen “The Word Plum” (p. 828)Group 5-6: Brooks, Gwendolyn “We Real Cool” (p 720)*Group 7-8: Hayden, Robert “Those Winter Sundays” (p 783)* Group 9-10: Frost, Robert “Stopping by Woods…” (p1091)* Group 11-12: Dickinson, Emily “I’m Nobody! Who Are You?”*

Page 52: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Your Choices

• Group 5 & 6: Act 1• Group 11&12: Act 2• Group 3 & 4: Act 3• Group 9 & 10: Act 3 (At-Home

Party)

• Group 7 & 8: Act 4• Group 1 & 2: Act 5

Page 53: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

Mini Play Contest: Tentative Schedule

Play Group

10 月 31日 General Introd Job Division

11 月 7日 Act I and Act II. (pp. 11-37)Character Analysis & Theme

11 月 14日 Act II & III (pp. 38-71)Line Reading & Creative Adaptation (script 1st draft ready)

11 月 21日 Act III-IV (pp. 71-87 + Act V)

Performance & Set and Prop

11 月 28日 Act V and PostscriptTheme and Overall Presentation

12 月 5日 Mini Play PreparationPoetry I: Lyric and Tone

Rehearsal 12/10 (12:15-3:30)

12 月 12日 Performance Day  

Page 54: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …
Page 55: Pygmalion: Act V & the Postscript Two Kinds of Transformation And More …

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

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