1. Pygmalion
George Bernard Shaw

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

3. 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.”

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.”

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