Pygmalion: Act V & Postscript Quiz & Class Discussion

Transformation: Of Two Kinds and More…

ACT V TRANSFORMATION OF TWO KINDS AND MORE…

1.Two Transformations

2.Creator/Creature vs. Self-Made Woman

3.Eliza’s Relapses: Class Issues

4.Higgins and Eliza’s Battle of Will

Higgins’ Role in Mr. Doolittle’s Changes

1. the most original moralist at present in England (“a silly joke”) Wannafeller

2. “Dustman! Oh no, sir: a gentleman.”3. “Ruined me. Destroyed my happiness. Tie

d me up and delivered me into the hands of middle class morality” (91) “you, Enry Ig

gins”(90).

“you, Enry Iggins”(90).

1. TWO TRANSFORMATIONS

1) Mr. Doolittle (pp. 89-93): --what do you think about his transformation? Is it funny? Ironical? What does it say about Mr. Higgins and the issue of morality in Victorian society?

-- And about Mr. Doolittle? Do you agree with him that taking the money and being intimidated by middle-class morality is the only choice he has?

2) How is he a contrast to Eliza? (re. money, class status and marriage)

Group ReportMr. Doolittle (pp. 89-93; 115-116):• what do you think about his transformation in Act V—

and in the postscript? • What does it say about Mr. Higgins and the issue of

morality and class in Victorian society? • Do you agree with him that taking the money and

being intimidated by middle-class morality is the only choice he has?

• How is he a contrast to Eliza?

1. Which of the following is NOT part of Mr. Doolittle’s Changes in Act V and the sequel?

1. He is going to get married and learn middle class language.

2. He becomes the center of his relatives’ attention now that he has a regular pension of 3 thousand a year

3. He gets associated with the upper classes with his wit and middleclass morality.

4. He has to give 6 speeches a year for the Moral Reform World League.

Mr. Doolittle vs. Eliza—both “dis-classed”FatherFather

1. Through a “silly joke” of Higgins

2. Gain 3000 pounds a year.

1. Through a “silly joke” of Higgins

2. Gain 3000 pounds a year.

1. 'Enry Iggins‘90,952. With a lot of money, tied to

middleclass morality; sought after; refuses to take care of his daughter.

3. intimidated and cannot choose.‘4. [sequel]extremely popular in the

smartest society‘—upper class

1. 'Enry Iggins‘90,952. With a lot of money, tied to

middleclass morality; sought after; refuses to take care of his daughter.

3. intimidated and cannot choose.‘4. [sequel]extremely popular in the

smartest society‘—upper class

DaughterDaughter

1. self-motivated + H & P’s bet

2. goes for education (accent, manners and mind—more later).

1. self-motivated + H & P’s bet

2. goes for education (accent, manners and mind—more later).

1. “Aa-ooo” when seeing her father. (99) 'Enry Iggins‘ (108)

2. Has no money. 3. Improved her accent, language,

culture & mind;4. Needs respect and tenderess5. [sequel] chooses to work and

be independent.—middle class

1. “Aa-ooo” when seeing her father. (99) 'Enry Iggins‘ (108)

2. Has no money. 3. Improved her accent, language,

culture & mind;4. Needs respect and tenderess5. [sequel] chooses to work and

be independent.—middle class

2. CREATOR/CREATURE VS. SELF-MADE WOMAN

In what ways do Higgins, Mrs. Pearce, Pickering and Mrs. Higgins help Eliza get a better life?

What does she achieve by herself?

From Romance to Social RealismWhether as Pygmalion story or that of “self-made woman,”

Eliza’s story cannot be a complete success

From Romance to Social RealismWhether as Pygmalion story or that of “self-made woman,”

Eliza’s story cannot be a complete success

2. Why does Eliza address Pickering nicely while ignoring Higgins?

1. Pickering paid for her dress.

2. Pickering does not treat a person impolitely because he/ she is born in a lower class.

3. Higgins asks her to go home with them.

4. She wants Pickering to call her Ms. Doolittle.

3. Which of the following suggests for Eliza Higgins’ lack of respect for her? 

(1) He doesn’t take off his boots while Eliza is in the room.

(2) He fights with Eliza and gives her black eyes.

(3) He wants to see her damned.

(4) He calls her squashed leaf.

•(Choose the wrong one)

4. Where do Pickering and Mrs. Higgins show their lack of trust in or

support of Eliza in Act 5?

1. Mrs. Higgins’ saying that Eliza will not go back to Wimpole street.

2. Pickering’s calling the police

3. Pickering’s asking Doolittle if Eliza has been buying him clothes.

4. Mrs. Higgins’ thinking that Mr. Doolittle can provide for Eliza.

•(Choose the wrong one)

What has Eliza achieved in Act 5 and the sequel?

1. She asserts herself and knows how to infuriate Higgins

2. She knows better than to marry Higgins3. She continues to receive education in

handwriting to improve her business. 4. She finally believes that she has talent

for business.

•(Choose the wrong one)

Review: Eliza’s Self-Transformation

1. Asserting herself;2. Fighting back in their battle of wills3. [sequel] Making a wise choice of “the weak”;4. [sequel] Continuous self-improvement

through going to classes

But – [sequel] a. She still needs financial support; b. She is still attracted to Higgins.

c. She is limited in receiving education.

3. CLASS ISSUES

1) “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“ Do you agree?

2) Does Eliza have a “relapse” (to low-class manners) when she sees her father? (99)

Group ReportClass Mobility

1) “The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“ Do you agree?

2) What do you think about Eliza’s, Freddy’s and Clara’s changes, as explained in the postscript?

“The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how's she's treated.“

Yes and No.

Yes – One’s social identity is relational (the results of social interactions). We cannot insists on a certain identity unless we are recognized as such by others, or through some rituals.

No – Since social identity is relational, we need to produce signs and send out messages expressive of this identity.

4. HIGGINS AND ELIZA’S BATTLE OF WILL

1) [Battle of Will] What do they each insist on and see as goals of their lives? How do they change their tactics to win the debate?

2) [Higgins’ changes] Acts IV & V show Higgins undergoing changes regarding his views of and relation to Eliza. Where are the turning points and are there traces of his affection for her?

3) [Ending] What do you think about the ending of Act V? Would you be happy with it as the play’s ending (without the sequel)?

Group Report

3. Higgins and Eliza

As in Act IV, Act V shows Higgins undergoing changes regarding his views of and relation to Eliza.

Where are the turning points and are there traces of his affection for her?

What kind of affection is it?

How would you interpret their relationship after having read the postscript?

For everyone:

What do you think Eliza and Higgins want respectively?

5. Which of the following is NOT part of Eliza’s and Higgins rational argument?

1. Higgins: I'm not going to have my masterpiece thrown away on Freddy.

2. Higgins: the life of the gutter is real, warm and violent, unlike science, literature and classical music.

3. Eliza (re. Freddy): I never thought of us making anything of one another; and you never think of anything else. I only want to be natural.

4. Higgins: Making life means making trouble.

First Battle in Act II

2nd Battle in Act IV

Their Battle of Wills in Act VHiggins Eliza

0. (96) – As possessive as a god; (97) – Does not trust Eliza’s improvement

(‘relapse’)

1. “real education” (97-98) cares about manners, proper language and respect;

[Asks her to come back. ]3. (after the interruption of Doolittle)[equality 1] (102)The same manner to everyone

2. [terms?] [usage as a maid] (102)

5. [Independence/arrogance] Can do without anyone.[with humility] I shall miss you.

4. [attention & equal treatment](103) Will not be ‘passed over.’ Wants a sense of importance and respect.

6. [equality 2] care for humanity, refutes Eliza’s plea as commercialism; Offers fellowship and to adopt her,

but refuses to change.

7. [kindness] Eliza (104-05) Complains about the trouble he causes, not being ‘noticed.’ Still wants “a little kindness.” -- (106) Thinks of Freddy as a solution. Be natural, be friendly.

9 (the life of the gutter vs. the life of a scientist and lady)[recognition ad equality 3]Amazed at Eliza’s improvement in the mind. “Three old bachelors together.”

8. [Independence] ① marry Freddy② [strike back] Threatens to assist

the Hungarian or to use the knowledge he teaches her.

"By George, Eliza, I said I'd make a woman of

you; and I have"

"By George, Eliza, I said I'd make a woman of

you; and I have"

6. Which of the following is NOT an emotional statement/moment of

Higgins and Eliza’s?

1. When Eliza says she wants to marry Freddy. 2. “Eliza, are you ready?” Eliza: “Quite. Is the Profe

ssor coming?”3. When Higgins says he knows she can do without

him. 4. When Higgins says she can walk out on him if he

misbehaves.

What do they each want?

Higgins1.Cannot live without her

service

2.Recognizes her intellectual values

3. Cannot bear to see his “creature” marry under her.

Eliza

Love, respect and a secure position

Pickering! Nonsense: she's going to marry Freddy. Ha ha! Freddy! Freddy!! Ha ha ha ha ha!! ! !! [He roars with laughter as the play ends]. ...

Are there chances for their getting married

at the end of Act V?

No, unless • Higgins is willing to change himself and be loving, or• Eliza is willing to stay unmarried and inferior to him.

More to discuss after you’ve read the sequel.

Every Group: Theme and Presentation

1. Rehearse one scene of your play with all the actors and actresses ready for their blocking and their speeches memorized.

2. The director explains how this scene present the theme of the play.

3. The whole class then gives suggestions as to where to improve.

• About the story you chose, or Pygmalion

Journal 2: due 12/8

1. What have you learned from the mini play contest? From your own group’s performance, and the other group’s?

2. Does it help you understand or like literature more?

3. What were the problems you encountered, and were you able to solve them?

Mini Play Contest: Tentative Schedule

Play Group10 月 26

日General Introd Job Division

11 月 2日

Act I and Act II. (pp. 11-37)

Character Analysis

11 月 9日Act II & III (pp. 38-71) Creative Adaptation

11 月 16日

Act III-IV (pp. 71-87 + Act V)

Set and Prop

11 月 23日Act V and Postscript

Theme and Presentation

11 月 30日Mid-Term (2)

Rehearsal (11:10-1:30)

12 月 7日Performance Day 　

12 月 8日Reflection Journal

Onto the poetry units …

11/23 Class Discussion Questions (2)

3. Higgins and Eliza

1) As in Act IV, Act V shows Higgins undergoing changes regarding his views of and relation to Eliza. Where are the turning points and are there traces of his affection for her? What kind of affection is it? How would you interpret their relationship after having read the postscript?

4. Everyone: Which endings do you like: that of Act V, of the Postscript, of the film, or the musical My Fair Lady? What meanings does the ending produce for the whole text?

5. Every group: write up a multiple choice question and send it to me before next Monday.