Bernard Shaw demonstrates in Pygmalion that a role model is elected by their intents and not their deeds. Mr. Higgins is a character with a false personality; he instructs others, but he himself does not complete those commands. He is an unmarried man, but because he hopes for Eliza to thrive he advises her to marry. While asking Eliza to appear ladylike, he apologizes for acting uncivil. Finally, Higgins humiliates Eliza for her inaccurate speech in order to direct others that the English language must be used with respect. These actions constitute a complicated character, one that does not necessarily fit it into any given stereotype. If one were to judge Higgins based purely on his actions, they might come to the conclusion that he is a vile individual. Yet Shaw is clearly suggesting that Higgins is a true gentleman. As a result it becomes apparent that a different method of judgement must be used, and the most obvious one is Higgins’ intent. The intent behind his actions makes Higgins a real gentleman, and the complex relationship between it and his actions shows that human nature can never be simply
Bernard Shaw demonstrates in Pygmalion that a role model is elected by their intents and not their deeds. Mr. Higgins is a character with a false personality; he instructs others, but he himself does not complete those commands. He is an unmarried man, but because he hopes for Eliza to thrive he advises her to marry. While asking Eliza to appear ladylike, he apologizes for acting uncivil. Finally, Higgins humiliates Eliza for her inaccurate speech in order to direct others that the English language must be used with respect. These actions constitute a complicated character, one that does not necessarily fit it into any given stereotype. If one were to judge Higgins based purely on his actions, they might come to the conclusion that he is a vile individual. Yet Shaw is clearly suggesting that Higgins is a true gentleman. As a result it becomes apparent that a different method of judgement must be used, and the most obvious one is Higgins’ intent. The intent behind his actions makes Higgins a real gentleman, and the complex relationship between it and his actions shows that human nature can never be simply