Here you will get the detailed summary of IGNOU MEG 2 Block 6 – Bernard Shaw: Pygmalion.
We have provided the summary of all units starting from unit 1 to unit 4.
Introduction
Block 6 of MEG-2 delves into George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, a seminal work that challenges societal norms and class distinctions through the transformation of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, into a refined lady under the tutelage of phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins. First performed in 1913, the play critiques the rigid class system of Edwardian England and explores themes of identity, language, and social mobility. This block provides an in-depth analysis of the historical context, thematic concerns, dramatic structure, and linguistic style of the play.
Unit 1: Background of English Drama from the Restoration Period to Bernard Shaw
This unit traces the evolution of English drama from the Restoration period to the early 20th century, highlighting key developments and figures that influenced Shaw’s work. The Restoration era (1660–1700) saw the re-establishment of English theatre after the Puritan ban, with playwrights like William Congreve and Richard Sheridan introducing comedies of manners that satirized social norms and class distinctions. The 18th century brought about the rise of sentimental comedies and the influence of Romanticism, emphasizing emotion and individualism.
By the late 19th century, playwrights like Henrik Ibsen introduced realism, focusing on everyday life and social issues. Shaw, influenced by Ibsen’s approach, sought to use drama as a vehicle for social critique, blending wit and satire to address contemporary issues. Pygmalion reflects Shaw’s commitment to social reform, using the transformation of Eliza to question the arbitrary nature of class distinctions and the role of education in social mobility.
Unit 2: Pygmalion: Themes and Issues
This unit explores the central themes and issues addressed in Pygmalion, focusing on social class, language, identity, and transformation.
Social Class and Mobility
Shaw critiques the rigid class system of Edwardian England, demonstrating how social mobility is often constrained by superficial markers like accent and manners. Eliza’s transformation challenges the notion that one’s social status is fixed, highlighting the potential for change through education and self-improvement .
Language as a Tool of Power
Language serves as a powerful tool for defining and controlling social identity. Through Eliza’s training, Shaw illustrates how mastery of language can facilitate entry into higher social circles, while also exposing the superficiality of class distinctions based on speech .
Identity and Self-Realization
Eliza’s journey is not just about external transformation but also about self-discovery. Her evolving sense of identity reflects Shaw’s belief in the importance of self-awareness and personal agency in overcoming societal constraints .
Unit 3: Dramatic Structure and Mingling of Genres
This unit examines the structure of Pygmalion and Shaw’s blending of genres to achieve both comedic effect and social critique.
Structure
The play is divided into five acts, following a traditional structure with exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Shaw’s use of this structure allows for the development of characters and themes in a coherent and engaging manner.
Genre Blending
While Pygmalion is classified as a comedy, Shaw incorporates elements of social drama and satire, subverting the conventions of romantic comedies. The play’s ending, which defies the typical “happily ever after” trope, challenges audience expectations and reinforces the play’s critical stance on social norms .
Unit 4: Language and Style
This unit focuses on Shaw’s use of language and his distinctive style in Pygmalion.
Language as Characterization
Shaw uses language to define and differentiate characters. Eliza’s transformation is marked by her changing speech patterns, reflecting her evolving social status and self-perception. The contrast between Eliza’s Cockney dialect and the refined speech taught by Higgins underscores the play’s exploration of language as a marker of class .
Shaw’s Wit and Satire
Shaw’s sharp wit and satirical tone permeate the play, allowing him to address serious social issues while keeping the audience entertained. His use of humor serves to highlight the absurdities of class distinctions and the pretensions of the upper classes .