Pygmalion, Act I The readers meet the characters

Exposition The purpose of exposition is to provide some background and inform the readers about the setting, characters, plot, and theme. The purpose of exposition is to provide some background and inform the readers about the setting, characters, plot, and theme. What do we discover about the setting through stage directions? What do we discover about the setting through stage directions? What do we learn about characters? What do we learn about characters? What will drive the plot? What will drive the plot? What seems to be a central truth/theme? What seems to be a central truth/theme?

Elements of comedy Based on the characteristics of comedy, how do we know this play is a comedy and not a tragedy? Based on the characteristics of comedy, how do we know this play is a comedy and not a tragedy? Which type of comedy does this play seem to be? Why? Which type of comedy does this play seem to be? Why?

Why is each character important in Act I? Which seem to be the “mouthpiece” (his voice) of Shaw? The flower girl/Eliza Doolittle The flower girl/Eliza Doolittle The note taker/Henry Higgins The note taker/Henry Higgins The gentleman/Colonel Pickering The gentleman/Colonel Pickering The mother/Mrs. Eynsford-Hill The mother/Mrs. Eynsford-Hill The daughter/Clara Eynsford-Hill The daughter/Clara Eynsford-Hill Freddy Eynsford-Hill Freddy Eynsford-Hill The bystanders The bystanders

Irony Verbal irony shows contrast between what the speaker says and what the speaker means. Who uses verbal irony? Verbal irony shows contrast between what the speaker says and what the speaker means. Who uses verbal irony? Dramatic irony shows contrast between what the speaker thinks is true and what the reader knows is true. Who uses dramatic irony? Dramatic irony shows contrast between what the speaker thinks is true and what the reader knows is true. Who uses dramatic irony? Situational irony shows contrast between what is and what should be—especially regarding social issues. Who uses situational irony? Situational irony shows contrast between what is and what should be—especially regarding social issues. Who uses situational irony?

Vocabulary Portico Portico Gumption Gumption Draught Draught Plinth Plinth Amiable Amiable Genially Genially Toff Toff Impertinent Impertinent Brogue Brogue Bilious Bilious

Diction in this play Diction involves a writer's choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language, which combine to help create meaning. Diction involves a writer's choice of words, phrases, sentence structures, and figurative language, which combine to help create meaning. Formal diction consists of a dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language; it follows the rules of syntax exactly and is often characterized by complex words and lofty tone. Formal diction consists of a dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language; it follows the rules of syntax exactly and is often characterized by complex words and lofty tone. Middle diction maintains correct language usage, but is less elevated than formal diction; it reflects the way most educated people speak. Middle diction maintains correct language usage, but is less elevated than formal diction; it reflects the way most educated people speak. Informal diction represents the plain language of everyday use, and often includes idiomatic expressions, slang, contractions, and many simple, common words. Informal diction represents the plain language of everyday use, and often includes idiomatic expressions, slang, contractions, and many simple, common words.

Characters and diction Which characters use bigger words and proper syntax? Look at the figurative language used by these characters. What stands out? Which characters use bigger words and proper syntax? Look at the figurative language used by these characters. What stands out? Which characters don’t speak properly? How much figurative language is used by them? What’s the connection? Which characters don’t speak properly? How much figurative language is used by them? What’s the connection? In this play, diction connects with one of the themes. What is Shaw saying about language in Act I? In this play, diction connects with one of the themes. What is Shaw saying about language in Act I?

Themes and symbols Remember that themes, symbols, and conflicts are interconnected. Remember that themes, symbols, and conflicts are interconnected. What does George Bernard Shaw seem to be saying about society (especially social classes and the perception of each social class) in Act I? What does George Bernard Shaw seem to be saying about society (especially social classes and the perception of each social class) in Act I? Which phrases are repeated, and how do they connect to theme? Which phrases are repeated, and how do they connect to theme? Which objects seem to be important? Which objects seem to be important?

Why does he use situational irony in Act I? Why is it important he only uses one proper name, Freddy, throughout most of Act I? How do you think the myth is similar to the plot of this play?

Quiz True/false plot, setting, characterization questions “quotes” and literary terms- dramatic, situational, verbal irony, allusion, hubris, setting, conflict, simile 7 character descriptions ( note taker, gentleman, flower girl, Freddy, mother and daughter)- descriptors of them Vocab words paraphrases of words