Pygmalion George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw B. July 26, 1856 in Dublin D. November 2, 1950 (94 yrs. old)

George Bernard Shaw Despised formal education and pursued independent studies About his own education, he commented “I can remember no time at which a page of print was not intelligible to me and con only suppose I was born literate.”

George Bernard Shaw Active member of Society Zetetical Society (debating club) Sharpened intellectual acumen Formed important relationships with influential Brits Led to his interest in socialism and social justice

George Bernard Shaw Became a leader in organization Active member of Society Fabian Society (socialist organization) Became a leader in organization Strengthened Shaw’s belief in constitutional and evolutionary socialism

George Bernard Shaw Playwright Began writing dramas in 1890s Social issues are central concerns in Shaw’s plays Known for plays with didactic messages and witty dialogue, “talky” Pygmalion one of best known plays

Pygmalion: A Myth Title derived from Greek myth Pygmalion, a Greek sculptor, creates a female stature so beautiful that he falls in love with his creation Drama explores question of myths in reality and equality between men and women

Pygmalion: Victorian England Social commentary on systems of education and class in Victorian society Shaw uses language (word use, accents, etc.) to represent class “Each of us is ‘a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech’ and this gift needs to be appreciated.”

Pygmalion: Themes Change and Transformation Appearances and Reality Wealth, Poverty and Class Language and Meaning Gender Roles