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64 pages 2 hours read

Pygmalion

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1913

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Book Brief

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George Bernard Shaw

Pygmalion

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1913
Book Details
Pages

82

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

London, England • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1913

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, bets he can transform Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, into a refined lady who can pass for a duchess. Through rigorous speech lessons, Eliza's transformation astonishes society, leading to unexpected consequences for her identity and future.

Humorous

Informative

Playful

Contemplative

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

108,463 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion receives praise for its sharp wit, rich character development, and social commentary on class and transformation. Critics appreciate Shaw's clever dialogue and engaging narrative. However, some express dissatisfaction with the ambiguous ending and occasional didactic tone. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and enduring work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pygmalion?

A reader who enjoys Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw likely appreciates witty social commentary and character-driven narratives. Comparable to fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare's comedies, or Oscar Wilde's works, they revel in incisive explorations of class, identity, and transformation within a humorous and theatrical context.

4.1

108,463 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Eliza Doolittle

Eliza Doolittle is a flower girl whose transformation from a low-class street vendor to a lady under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins is central to the story. Her journey reflects themes of social mobility and self-discovery.

Henry Higgins is a professor of phonetics and an expert in dialects who takes on the experiment of transforming Eliza Doolittle's speech. Though brilliant in his field, he often lacks manners and sensitivity towards others.

Alfred Doolittle is Eliza’s father, a dustman with a humorous and candid outlook on life. His character provides commentary on class and societal expectations.

Colonel Pickering is a gentleman and fellow phonetics enthusiast who supports Higgins in his experiment with Eliza. He is known for treating Eliza with kindness and respect.

Freddy Eynsford Hill is a young man from a genteel but impoverished family who becomes infatuated with Eliza. His character contrasts with Higgins, as Freddy treats Eliza with admiration.

Book Details
Pages

82

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

London, England • Early 1900s

Publication Year

1913

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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