Tuesday, March 12, 2019
How does Shaw introduce his ideas about society and language in the first two acts of Pygmalion?
From the commencement ceremony two acts of Pygmalion, Bernard Shaw has already begun to develop society and language theatrical role a number of contrastive techniques and aspects. In the first act the earshot is introduced to three main favorable human bodyes t verboten ensemble brought together by the weather. We see their stereotyped judgements, their attitudes and prejudices against each other. It is Higgins feeling that men trying to climb the social ladder will crap themselves away every time they open their mouths ( set 1). Shaw alike practices speech pattern, revealing societys incline that underline is the key to social status.This is already apparent through the proleptic jeering of liza, and the status of those around her. Humour is used to show how contrasting the characters situations are. each(prenominal) word form has at least one character that is humorous, alone all told their wit and muster updy originates from different sources, for example Li za and her need for money. The first two acts of Pygmalion show great insight into the well-rounded representatives, which will come together and make Shaws image of society. Shaw commences by exploring the different social classes. entirely classes have been un attendedly gathered under a shelter from the precipitate and bustling streets of London. There are three main types. The upper class consisting of Higgins and Pickering, the servants consisting of Mrs Pearce, and the lower class consisting of the Dolittles. The assortment of social classes have little compliancy of each other, precisely are together cautiously civil. However Higgins disrupts the calm by commenting that a woman who talks with a cockney accent has no right to live (Act 1).He sees no harm in expressing his extreme prejudices, widening the gap between the social classes. This prejudice is seen in act two when Higgins describes the current stranger, Alfred Dolittle, as a blackguard. He makes the trust that Dolittle is an uncivil, unpleasant human being simply because he is Lizas father and therefore the same class. Even Pickering assumes they will have trouble with him(Act 2). This is a amply-flown example in the first two acts of Pickering sharing the same prejudices as Higgins. In act two Pickering urges take no advantage of Lizas position.Shaw avoids using stereotypes. He portrays Higgins as a man who goes in the opposite commission to the rest of society in most matters. He would take the feel of trying to turn Liza into the Queen of Sheba (Act 1). He is impatient with high society, forgetful of his public graces, and poorly considerable of normal social niceties. on with believing he alone has the ability to change a persons concern in life. Shaw also represents the differences between the social classes in the characters of Liza and Clara, the daughter. Clara is a weak, fragile character.Her reaction when Freddy fails to find her a cab is Do you expect us to go and get on e ourselves? (Act 1) She is impatient and completely pendant on others. However, lower down in social status in Liza who is a complete contrast. She is witty and strong. She encourages the gentleman by relation back him to cheer up and buy a flower off a poor girl. Unlike Clara she is very independent which is also shown in Act two when she asks Higgins for lesson. In this case Higgins main belief is that Lizas accent finish change her status. Higgins is, of course, extremely biased.He believes that a woman who utters such demoralise and disgusting sounds has no right to be anywhere (Act 1). He represents a side to society, which many people may outwardly oppose, but internally agree with. He believes that Lizas English will keep her in the privy to the end of her days (Act 1) It is his conviction that the key to social status is accent. Higgins has a higher social status than Liza, so disapproves of her accent. The contrast of Liza and Higgins grimace and pronunciation show s how Shaw has introduced society and language in Pygmalion.Lizas coarse and broad cockney accent can be difficult to represent without the phonetic alphabet. She asks, Ow, eez ye-ooa san, is e? (Act 1) meaning oh hes your son, is he? This is a complete conflict with Higgins resorting to the most thrillingly fair low tones(Act 1. ) The imaginably high-pitched shrieks, Ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-oo, of Lizas expression supports Higgins theory that a cockney accent is less widely accepted. The contrast in pronunciation represents the contrast in social status.The variety of accents and expressions is also evident in the toughness from the different social classes. Shaw uses wittiness to introduce society and language by concentrating their gratify on their circumstances. The audience can see this through Liza and Higgins. When Liza becomes annoyed with Higgins she exclaims, Dont be so saucy. When Higgins is asked about Liza he jokes hurl her in the dustbin. Both these remarks are very fan tastic. Higgins and Liza use many of the same techniques in their humour as they are obvious, rude, witty and smart mouthed.However, the majority of their humour is based around their status. Liza is comical about her desperation for money and her ignorance of higher classes. She cries, Ive never took off all my clothes before. Its not right. She doesnt understand any other way of living, but her own. However, Higgins source of humour originates from his high status, and good education. He amuses other characters and the audience by assessing where they are from. He boasts, your mothers Epsom, unmistakeably. His irritating intelligence complicates civil situations.Higgins also uses sarcasm and continually mocks those of a lower class, again portraying his narrow-mindedness. He exclaims, Shall we ask this baggage to sit down or throw her out the window,(Act 2). He is purposely rude and unlike with his own class, he fails to be courteous and apologize. Higgins is portrayed as a chee ky, yet charming character. He makes the most iconoclastic, scandalous statements, but all with such wit and humour that the audience cannot help but find his ideas attractive. In the same way, Alfred Dolittles tactical maneuver of persuasion and lack of morals are humorous.He describes Liza by saying in the light of a young woman, shes a bewitching transferome girl. As a daughter, shes not worth her keep (Act 2). He will happily exchange his daughter for money, using light-hearted, humorous language. Freddys humour is based around a much more simple situation, but still reflects his status. The woman left him with a cab on my hands Damnation His dilemma is laughed at and not with. The fact he orders a cab and then becomes frustrated that he has one, shows the insignificant problems of the higher class compared to the poorer classes.Therefore, Bernard Shaw introduces his ideas about society and language in the first two acts by investigating the different aspects of the characte rs class and status. He develops his image of society by portraying the clear boundaries which separate class through characters, accent and expression, and humour. by dint of the prejudices which are displayed, Shaw delivers the subtle message that inside we are all the same, safe as Liza believes that her character is the same to me as any ladys (Act 1). Shaw begins to use the characters, their lives, attitudes and language to reflect Societys intolerance and discrimination.
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