Product Overview
Pygmalion: The Transformational Power Of Speech
Pygmalion explores themes of social class, identity, and the power of transformation, making it a timeless piece for classroom discussion and analysis.
Ordering Books for Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
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Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of Pygmalion
We think the Literary Touchstone Classic edition of Pygmalion is the best for classroom use. These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
Other Editions
If you need to add onto a class set of a different edition or simply prefer another edition, contact us with the ISBN or edition information, and we'll check the availability for you.
About the Play Pygmalion |
Pygmalion begins with a chance meeting between Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics, and Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl with a strong Cockney accent. Intrigued by her speech, Higgins makes a bet with Colonel Pickering, an expert in Indian dialects, that he can transform Eliza into a duchess within six months by teaching her to speak properly. Eliza moves into Higgins' home, where she undergoes rigorous speech training. Despite initial struggles, she eventually masters the art of refined speech. Her transformation is put to the test at the Embassy Ball, where she successfully passes as a duchess, impressing everyone present. However, the success of the experiment brings new challenges. Eliza grapples with her identity and future, unsure of where she belongs in society. The play concludes with an ambiguous ending, leaving audiences pondering Eliza's ultimate fate and the true impact of her transformation.
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Themes in the play Pygmalion |
Social Class and Mobility: The play delves into the rigid class structure of early 20th-century England. Eliza's transformation challenges the notion that one's social status is fixed, highlighting the potential for mobility through education and self-improvement. This theme prompts students to consider the impact of social class on personal identity and opportunities. Identity and Self-Discovery: Eliza's journey in Pygmalion is not just about changing her outward appearance but also about discovering her true self. The play explores the complexities of identity, questioning whether it is shaped by external factors or intrinsic qualities. This theme encourages students to reflect on their own identities and the factors that influence them. The Power of Language: Language plays a central role in Pygmalion, serving as a tool for transformation and a marker of social status. Higgins' ability to change Eliza's speech demonstrates the power of language to shape perceptions and open doors. This theme underscores the importance of language skills in personal and professional development, making it relevant to students' lives.
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Activity Ideas for the play Pygmalion |
Speech and Accent Exercises: Since language is a central theme in Pygmalion, incorporate speech and accent exercises into your lessons. Have students practice different accents and examine how language influences perceptions of social class. This activity not only enhances students' linguistic skills but also fosters an appreciation for the play's focus on phonetics. Using Multimedia Resources: Enhance your lessons with multimedia resources that complement the study of Pygmalion. Show clips from film adaptations of the play, such as the 1938 film Pygmalion or the musical My Fair Lady. These visual aids provide students with a different perspective on the story and characters, enriching their overall experience. Encouraging Critical Thinking: Foster critical thinking by challenging students to question and interpret Pygmalion beyond its surface narrative. Encourage them to consider the societal implications of the play's themes and the author's intentions. This approach helps students develop analytical skills and a deeper appreciation for literature. Providing Additional Resources: Support students' exploration of Pygmalion by providing additional resources such as scholarly articles, critical essays, and historical context materials. These resources offer students a deeper understanding of the play and its significance within the literary canon.
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