English 1061 Pygmalion (1913)

Fin de Siècle: “End of the age” Influenced by French culture, late Victorian intellectual activity was marked by “stylish” cynicism and the failure of democracy to spread wealth and benefits from rich to poor Growing popularity of socialist movements An intellectual movement skepticism with Victorian “morals” Less sentimental art; more frank and realistic depictions Fin de Siècle: “End of the age”

George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950 1856: Born in Dublin 1871: After minimal schooling, becomes an office boy 1873: Moves to London to join mother 1884: Joins the Fabian socialist society 1885-1903: Works as a music and literary journalist; elected as city counselor

Later in life, a full-time dramatist and pamphleteer for socialism “Second only to Shakespeare in the British theatrical tradition” – non-melodramatic theater Irish supporter, but anti-separatist Lost interest in socialism, but voiced support for Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler; defended Nazi policies Married late; no children; natural death of kidney failure George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950

Pygmalion (Legend) In Ovid’s Metamorphoses (AD 8), Pygmalion is a sculptor who falls in love with his creation and begs the gods to turn her into a real woman Based on Greek legend

Pygmalion (Play) Written in 1912 First performed in 1913 in Vienna First performed in England in 1914 Adapted to “My Fair Lady” (Stage 1956, Film 1964)

Themes Contempt for class system: Is class just a performance, a trick? Language: Is speech the great social divider? Feminism: Does Eliza “win” in the play? Is she justified in feeling used by the men? How much of the play serves Shaw’s beliefs? (Shaw was a socialist and feminist – and possibly had an affair with the Eliza actress)

My Fair Lady (1964) Shaw did NOT want a happy ending where Higgins marries Eliza, and fought such efforts even in 1914. Why? How does the movie’s ending change the story’s meanings?