Pygmalion, Act I
The readers meet the characters
Exposition
The purpose of exposition is to provide
some background and inform the readers
about the setting, characters, plot, and
theme.
 What do we discover about the setting
through stage directions?
 What do we learn about characters?
 What will drive the plot?
 What seems to be a central truth/theme?
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Elements of comedy
Based on the characteristics of comedy,
how do we know this play is a comedy
and not a tragedy?
 Which type of comedy does this play seem
to be? Why?
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Why is each character important in Act I?
Which seem to be the “mouthpiece” (his voice) of
Shaw?
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The flower girl/Eliza Doolittle
The note taker/Henry Higgins
The gentleman/Colonel Pickering
The mother/Mrs. Eynsford-Hill
The daughter/Clara Eynsford-Hill
Freddy Eynsford-Hill
The bystanders
Irony
Verbal irony shows contrast between what the
speaker says and what the speaker means.
Who uses verbal irony?
 Dramatic irony shows contrast between what
the speaker thinks is true and what the reader
knows is true. Who uses dramatic irony?
 Situational irony shows contrast between what is
and what should be—especially regarding social
issues. Who uses situational irony?
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Vocabulary
Portico
Genially
Gumption
Toff
Draught
Impertinent
Plinth
Brogue
Amiable
Bilious
Diction in this play
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Diction involves a writer's choice of words, phrases,
sentence structures, and figurative language, which
combine to help create meaning.
Formal diction consists of a dignified, impersonal, and
elevated use of language; it follows the rules of syntax
exactly and is often characterized by complex words and
lofty tone.
Middle diction maintains correct language usage, but is
less elevated than formal diction; it reflects the way
most educated people speak.
Informal diction represents the plain language of
everyday use, and often includes idiomatic expressions,
slang, contractions, and many simple, common words.
Characters and diction
Which characters use bigger words and
proper syntax? Look at the figurative
language used by these characters. What
stands out?
 Which characters don’t speak properly?
How much figurative language is used by
them? What’s the connection?
 In this play, diction connects with one of
the themes. What is Shaw saying about
language in Act I?
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Themes and symbols
Remember that themes, symbols, and
conflicts are interconnected.
 What does George Bernard Shaw seem to
be saying about society (especially social
classes and the perception of each social
class) in Act I?
 Which phrases are repeated, and how do
they connect to theme?
 Which objects seem to be important?
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Why does he use situational irony in Act I?
 Why is it important he only uses one
proper name, Freddy, throughout most of
Act I?
 How do you think the myth is similar to
the plot of this play?
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Quiz
True/false plot, setting, characterization
questions
 “quotes” and literary terms- dramatic,
situational, verbal irony, allusion, hubris,
setting, conflict, simile
 7 character descriptions ( note taker,
gentleman, flower girl, Freddy, mother
and daughter)- descriptors of them
 Vocab words paraphrases of words