Relationship Between Henry Higgins And Colonel Pickering example essay topic

Love is not the main subject of Pygmalion; however, it does play a small, but significant role, in this play. There are many different types of love discussed, in this play, as well as other types of relationships. Eros love, philia love, love of yourself, and respect are the main types of relationships going to be discussed. Although love has such a behind- the -scenes role, it is nonetheless important.

The relationship between Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering is quite friendly. It is obvious that they have some type of friendship, some type of connection; right from the day they first introduced themselves to one another. "THE GENTLEMAN. Of course I can. I am myself a student of Indian dialects; and- THE NOTETAKER.

Are you? Do you know Colonel Pickering, the author of Spoken San crit? THE GENTLEMAN. I am colonel Pickering, who are you? THE NOTETAKER. Henry Higgins, author of Higgin's Universal Alphabet.

PICKERING. I came from India to meet you. HIGGINS. I was going to meet you". (Act 1, pg 28) They automatically were able to start a friendship. Although this was not emphasized, it was evident in their interactions with one another.

The relationship between Colonel Pickering and Eliza Doolittle was, also, that of friendship. This was evident in their speech to one another as well as their actions. Their relationship was that of respect. "LIZA.

I know... I am not blaming him. It is his way. Isnt it? But it made such a difference to me that you didn't do it. You see, really and truly, apart from the things anyone can pick up (the dressing and the proper way of speaking, and so on), the difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated.

I shall always be a flower girl to professor Higgins, because he always treats me as a flower girl, and always will; but I know I can be a lady to you because you treat me like a lady and you always will". (Act 5, pg. 122) The relationship between Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins is not at all the same. Henry Higgins does not treat Eliza with respect and has not intentions of doing so. Behind all the lack of respect, there is a friendship. It is obvious that Higgins cares for the girl, he just has not way to show it properly.

"HIGGINS. I can do without anybody. I have my own soul my own spark of divine fire. But I shall miss you, Eliza. I have learnt something from your idiotic notions: I confess that humbly and gratefully. And I have grown accustomed to your voice and appearance I like them, rather".

(Act 5, pg. 127) Although Eliza detects that Henry indeed does like her, Higgins fails to show it properly. Because of this, Eliza has to demand respect from him. "LIZA. I want a little kindness. I know I'm a common ignorant girl, and you a book-learned gentleman; but I'm not dirt under your feet.

What I done what I did was not for the dresses and the taxis; I did it because we were pleasant together and I come-came-to care for you: not to want you to make love to me, and not forgetting the difference between us, but more friendly like". (Act 5, pg. 130) This relationship is probably the most emphasized throughout the play. It is that of a poor ignorant girl and an intellectual man coming together to form a bond, a rather twisted bond. Their Philia love (friendship) is evident and yet Higgins can never seem to admit to it. Every time he would get even close to expressing his love, he would say some nasty, rude comment to get around sharing his true feelings. Higgins did not seem to know how to express his love, he was so bitter.

Henry Higgins, however, seemed to have a strong love for himself, Eliza, on the other hand, seemed to struggle with that because of how she was treated. Towards the end of the play, Eliza developed a spine. She finally stood up for herself and she even found love in Freddy. Eliza always had a strong will, she just seemed to lack self-respect. On the whole, it would seem as though love played a rather significant role in this play. It is not the main subject, but it is emphasized rather much.

Love is given a behind-the-scenes role. This is probably due to the fact that love was not expressed, in this play, as an important thing (at least, not in words). The characters did not often express their love for each other, rather they kept it inside. Shaw is not saying that love is unimportant (or all-important for that matter). It is as though he lets you decide for yourself, rather. Love is what you make of it.

You can both read between the lines and find love in actions and other words that hint at love and friendship; or you can look at love as Higgins does, as something you can live without (as unimportant).