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Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts (Classic Reprint)

Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts (Classic Reprint)

Published in
1913
3.89
on Goodreads (105,508)

Description

Excerpt from Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts AS will be seen later on, Pygmalion needs, not a preface, but a sequel, which I have supplied in its due place. The English have no respect for their language, and will not teach their children to speak it. They cannot spell it because they have nothing to spell it with but an Old foreign alphabet of which only the consonants - and not all of them - have any agreed speech value. Consequently no man can teach himself what it should sound like from reading it; and it is impossible for an Englishman to Open his mouth without making some other Englishman despise him. Most European languages are now accessible in black and white to foreigners: English and French are not thus accessible even to Englishmen and Frenchmen. The reformer we need most today is an energetic phonetic enthusiast: that is why I have made such a one the hero of a popular play. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
Age
13-99
Text complexity
expert
Length
121 pages

Why to read

  • Cultural Significance: 'Pygmalion' is a seminal work by George Bernard Shaw, one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century. Reading this play offers insight into early 20th-century British society and the class distinctions that were prevalent at the time. It also explores themes of transformation, social mobility, and the power of education, which remain relevant today.
  • Foundation for My Fair Lady: Shaw's 'Pygmalion' is the basis for the widely acclaimed musical 'My Fair Lady.' Understanding the original narrative and characters provides a deeper appreciation for the adaptations and variations that have been created, allowing readers to see how the story has been reinterpreted over time.
  • Language and Wit: Shaw is renowned for his sharp wit and mastery of dialogue. 'Pygmalion' showcases his ability to craft conversations that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The play's clever use of language and the exploration of the importance of speech and accents in society make for an engaging read.
  • Character Development: The character of Eliza Doolittle is one of the most fascinating and well-developed in modern literature. Reading 'Pygmalion' allows one to experience her transformation from a Cockney flower girl to a lady of society firsthand, providing a nuanced look at identity, self-worth, and the impact of external influences on personal growth.