Pygmalion

[savvyambrose]

I had to read this play as part of my orientation for college - before discussing it with my peers, I thought I'd discuss it with B and R members! What did you think of it?

I thought it was interesting, especially in light of all the modern uses of its story. However, I found it a little...lacking in depth. Unless, of course, I'm missing something.

Although I did find Mr. Higgins relationship with his mother rather intriguing...

 

[anu]

I recently read Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw and I just loved it. I found the play to be quite ahead of its time. Set in Old London, where male chivalry was the norm of society, Shaw did make a bold attempt to portray Eliza Doolittle as a strong woman, who is ready to live an independent life , instead of just clinging onto an insensitive, cold man-Higgins. However, at the climax, Higgins does redeem himself by remarking that he was neglecting Eliza, as she always acted as a doormat, whereas he would like her to be a little stronger and independent.

Though, I did feel that Shaw should have written a little more about the teaching session of Eliza, making the play a little more comical.

 

[SFG75]

This book is in our school curriculum and it's a very challenging yet rewarding book to teach. Despite being an "old" book, it provides a great lesson in slang and how that changes over time. You definitely have to pre-teach some of the terms used and my students enjoy doing that, as well as putting down what contemporary slang words mean. It is a true classic in that not only is it well written and provides vivid characters, it also provides a good prompt into discussions about class. I loved the maid and her petulant nature, especially when she calls Higgins out on his coarse manners. This is a silent but powerful part of the book. The genteel Higgins being no better in manners than his student and those of her ilk.