Pygmalion and Galatea: From Myth to Play

🏛️The story of Pygmalion and Galatea has been a popular motif throughout history, including in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale and My Fair Lady, a musical adaptation of Shaw's play.

🗣️Shaw uses the characters of Pygmalion and Galatea to comment on the power dynamics in relationships and the idea of transformation through education and language.

🧪The concept of transforming someone through education is also explored in the field of linguistics, particularly in the theory of language acquisition known as the Critical Period Hypothesis.

🔍The ending of Shaw's play, where Eliza leaves Higgins and asserts her independence, challenges traditional gender roles and questions the idea of women as possessions.

💔The ending of Shaw's play can be seen as a critique of the notion of possessing or controlling another person, showing the importance of individual agency and autonomy.

Is Pygmalion a real myth?

—Pygmalion and Galatea is a myth from Greek mythology. It has been retold in various forms, including in George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion.

What is the role of the goddess Venus in the story?

—In the myth, Pygmalion prays to the goddess Venus, who grants his wish and brings the sculpture to life. Venus is associated with love, beauty, and sexuality.

What is the significance of Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion?

—Eliza Doolittle is a poor flower girl who is transformed into a lady by Professor Higgins. Her journey represents the idea of social mobility and the power of education and language.

How does Shaw's Pygmalion differ from the original myth?

—In Shaw's version, Eliza asserts her independence and leaves Professor Higgins, challenging traditional gender roles. This differs from the original myth, where Pygmalion and Galatea end up together.

What is the main message of Shaw's play Pygmalion?

—Shaw's play explores themes of transformation, power dynamics in relationships, and the importance of individual agency and autonomy. It challenges societal norms and expectations.

00:01[Music] The Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea serves as the inspiration for George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion.

00:09Pygmalion, a skilled sculptor, carves a perfect woman out of ivory and falls in love with her.

00:21The goddess Venus grants Pygmalion's wish and brings the sculpture, Galatea, to life.

01:06In Shaw's version, Professor Higgins transforms Eliza, a poor girl, into a refined lady through education and language.

02:04The play challenges traditional gender roles, with Eliza asserting her independence and leaving Higgins.

02:24Shaw's Pygmalion comments on power dynamics, societal norms, and the importance of individual agency and autonomy.