Abstract:George Bernard Shaw is considered as one of the most significant British dramatists since Shakespeare. Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion, is based on Ovid’s mythical story of Pygmalion. Meanwhile, a new dimension has been added to the meaning of the play. This paper aims to analyze Eliza’s transformation and awakening from the perspective of the growth course of the heroine and the causes of Eliza’s growth. This paper reveals that the gorgeous change of Eliza results from the interaction between self-pursuit and social factors. 

Key words: transformation; awakening; Pygmalion

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

1.1 Mythological Archetype of Pygmalion

1.2 George Bernard Shaw and His Pygmalion

2. Eliza’s Growth..1

2.1 Eliza’s Physical Metamorphosis Transformation

    2.1.1 Changes in Appearance

2.1.2 Changes in Language

2.1.3 Changes in Behavior

2.2 Eliza’s Mental Awakening

  2.2.1 Her Independence

  2.2.2 Her self-consciousness

3. Causes of Eliza’s Growth.4

3.1 Internal Causes of Eliza’s Growth

  3.1.1 Eliza’s Pursuit of Economic Equality

  3.1.2 Eliza’s Desire for Spiritual Equality

3.2 External Causes of Eliza’s Growth

3.2.1 Social Factor

3.2.2 Other Characters’ Influence

4. Conclusion8

Bibliography.9

Acknowledgements10