Sunday, May 15, 2011

In Pygmalion, how does the behavior of Liza and Clara compare to Mrs. Higgin's lady-like behavior at her tea party?

The the tea party in Pygmalion during
Mrs. Higgins "at home," there isn't very much dialogue given to Mrs. Higgins, however
she does say a lot before and after the tea party. The tea party is short and is mostly
monopolized by Miss Doolittle. An examination of Mrs. Higgins' deportment shows she is a
lady who thinks of how her remarks and behavior affects or will affect other people.
This awareness of a person's affect on others is way she has banished Henry from her at
homes. An examination of Liza's deportment shows she is absolutely unconscious of the
affect her remarks and behavior have on other people. In this regard, she is precisely
like Professor Higgins and precisely unlike Mrs. Higgins. Clara shares this trait of
unawareness with the pair in that she too has no idea that her remarks and behavior mark
her as unpleasant, though wealthy and well-bred, arrogant and
ill-mannered.


Another trait Mrs. Higgins displays is a
readiness to come to the defense and support of one who is under her patronage, even if
only a guest at her tea party for a few minutes. When Liza waxes lyrical about her
father's drinking habits and fears from the general laughter that she has done something
improper, Mrs. Higgins jumps instantly to her aid by saying simply but graciously and
eloquently, "Not at all, Miss Doolittle." The only comparison we can make with Liza is
that when laughed at, she doesn't take umbrage (offense or annoyance) but continues in
the same sweet and open spirit and tone--regardless of subject matter. The only
comparison to Clara is that, having admired Liza's lovely looks and elegant clothes
greatly, after Liza has left, Clara rapturously expresses herself as won over by the
"new small talk" that Higgins asserts Liza is speaking, thus branding herself as
shallow, petty, pretentious, credulous and gullible.

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