The moral of Pygmalion, a play by George Bernard Shaw, revolves around the themes of transformation, identity, and social class. The story follows Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl, who undergoes a dramatic transformation under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins. Higgins teaches her to speak and act like a lady, but the play ultimately questions whether true change is merely superficial or if it goes deeper.
One of the key morals is that true transformation comes from within. Eliza’s journey is not just about changing her appearance or speech but about gaining self-respect and independence. By the end of the play, Eliza asserts her own identity and refuses to be treated as an experiment or a mere project by Higgins.
Another important moral is the critique of social class and the arbitrary nature of societal distinctions. Shaw highlights how class is often determined by superficial factors like accent and manners rather than inherent worth or character. Through Eliza’s transformation, Shaw challenges the audience to reconsider their own prejudices and the ways in which society judges individuals based on external appearances.
In summary, the moral of Pygmalion is that true change and worth come from within, and societal distinctions based on class and appearance are often shallow and unjust. The play encourages us to look beyond superficial traits and value people for their true character and potential.