3. Shaw explores the artificiality of class distinctions throughout Pygmalion. Trace this theme throughout the play. What classes are represented in the play? On what factors is membership based?
In Pygmalion’s setting of Victorian London, the theme of artificiality of class distinctions is expressed fluidly throughout the play. From Higgins’s behavior of being stunningly blunt, to Eliza reacting to everyday actions such as taking a bath, the feeling that the audience is left with is of ridiculousness and contempt towards the class system in general. The old ways of class systems are poked fun at frequently as George Bernard Shaw tries to express how absurd and pretentious the highly defined social classes are.
Social Class was highly important to the people living in the Victorian era London. It was more important than character or even morals, and this theme is prevalent throughout the play. Shaw uses Satire and Irony to project how people of different class aren’t so different from one another after all. The membership of being considered ‘high society’ or ‘high class’ doesn’t depend on what a person is like at all. The only considering factors of whether one is in or out are a person’s bloodline, who their family is, and if they keep their appearances up. There was hardly any moving up the social ranks during this time period; if at all. Eliza is the interesting exception; she raises up the social ranks due to her appearance and speech. Eliza being able to pass off as a duchess to a room full of socialites is a commentary on how class distinctions are silly and frivolous. Shaw’s voice comes through when Higgins says, “The great secret, Eliza, is not having bad manners or good manners or any particular sort of manner, but having the same manner for all human souls: in short, behaving as if you were in Heaven, where there are no third-class carriages, and one soul is as good as another(Shaw197).” Shaw’s belief that gets transmitted through the character of Higgins is that all men are equal and should be treated so.
The theme of artificiality of class distinctions is very prevalent throughout the play of Pygmalion. From the use of irony to character of Higgins, the main message behind this play is to point out the frivolity and ridiculousness of social classes. George Bernard Shaw uses the story to convey the message that all men are equal.