Pygmalion

There is some kind of relationship between the significance of the title Pygmalion and the myth? Illustrate.

act 4 or 5

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

Myths of Creation

Of all Shaw's plays, Pygmalion has the most references to Greek and Roman mythology. Higgins represents Pygmalion, a Greek sculptor who lived alone because he hated women. Pygmalion created a sculpture of a perfect woman and fell in love with it; after he prayed, Aphrodite brought it to life for him. This statue is named Galatea, and it is represented in Shaw's play by Liza. Unlike the myth, Shaw's play does not end in a marriage between the pair, and Liza is infuriated with Higgins's suggestion that her success is his success and that he has made her what she is. She has worked to recreate her identity as well.

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/pygmalion/study-guide/themes