Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts (Classic Reprint)
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What’s inside...
This excerpt from 'Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts' highlights the author's perspective on the English language's lack of respect and proper teaching. The English are criticized for their inability to spell or pronounce their language correctly due to the use of an old foreign alphabet. The author advocates for a phonetic reformer as the hero of his play to address these issues. Additionally, the excerpt mentions that the book is published by Forgotten Books, which specializes in reproducing rare and classic books using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original works while repairing imperfections.
Age
13-99
Length
121 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Eliza Doolittle
Colonel Pickering
Professor Henry Higgins
Discussion points
How do you think Eliza Doolittle changes throughout the story, and what causes these changes?
Why do you think Professor Higgins wants to transform Eliza? What are his motivations?
What are some differences you noticed between how characters treat each other at the beginning of the story versus the end?
What do you think Shaw is trying to say about social class and personal identity?
How do you feel about the ending of the story? What alternative ending would you imagine?
Tip: Role play these questions
Facilitate discussions by providing context about the social and cultural settings of the play, helping the child understand the significance of the transformations experienced by the characters.
Encourage your child to compare characters’ behaviors and relationships at different points in the story, fostering critical thinking about character development and themes.
Discuss the concept of social class and ask your child how it influences the characters' interactions and opportunities, tying it to real-world examples if possible.
Ask open-ended questions about the resolution of the story to encourage creative thinking and personal interpretation, such as imagining different outcomes for the characters.
Motivate your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions and actions, supporting them in developing empathy and ethical reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of self-improvement
Explanation: In 'Pygmalion', the protagonist Eliza Doolittle undergoes a significant transformation through her own will and the help of phonetics Professor Henry Higgins. This transformation highlights the importance of self-improvement and education in personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace learning and self-development actively, realizing that their efforts can lead to positive changes in their abilities and self-perception.
Example Lesson: The impact of social class on personal interactions
Explanation: The story illustrates how social class influences the way characters are treated and behave towards each other. Eliza's journey from a flower girl to a lady of society challenges the class distinctions of the time.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their social background.
Example Lesson: Respect for individual identity
Explanation: Eliza's struggle to maintain her identity amidst drastic changes to her outward appearance and speech raises questions about what truly defines a person.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse identities and expressions in themselves and others, recognizing that true identity is more than just external appearances.
Example Lesson: The power of language
Explanation: Professor Higgins' ability to transform Eliza's speech and, consequently, her societal perception, showcases the significant role language plays in society.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to enhance their communication skills and understand how effective communication can open doors to new opportunities.
Example Lesson: Ethical responsibility in influence
Explanation: The ethical implications of Higgins' experiment with Eliza raise questions about the responsibility that comes with having influence over others.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to consider the consequences of their actions on others and the importance of using influence responsibly and ethically.