Analysis Of Shaw`s Representation Of Both Eliza Doolittle And Professor Higgins In Act.1.

Analysis of Shaw`s Representation of both Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins in Act.1.

Shaw presents both Eliza Doolittle and Mr. Henry Higgins in not too different a light. They are both written as cold characters; both driven by money.

At first Eliza is clearly separated from the group of theatre goers; who are either middle-class or upper-class. Eliza`s mannerisms are strident and her behaviour is probably not uncommon for a girl her age who was working on the streets. In the stage notes, Shaw writes "she is perhaps eighteen, perhaps twenty, hardly older" this highlights her social class and family income as it is obviously necessary at that period in time, for a girl so young to be working on the streets.

Eliza Doolittle only receives a written name in the play when she receives money from Mr. Higgins this implies that even a little wealth can improve your outwards impression on others. As a flower girl; Eliza is treated as a common street rat but when Mr. Higgins describes the possibilities that Eliza could achieve if she spoke as if she came from a middle-class background (well-educated).

When the audience is properly introduced to "The Note-Taker" Mr. Higgins he becomes the `outsider` furthermore when it is assumed that he is a "tec" or a police informant; Eliza is instantly very upset. In those times the police had a lot of power to arrest anyone if they felt it was appropriate. People were especially uneasy if they were working class as they had no money to bribe the police force to gain freedom; unlike the wealthier classes. Eliza`s behaviour shows that she knows how difficult life could be made for her if either the police or a police informant took an unkind interest in her.

Eliza is also shown to be very independent this is inferred from her descri ption of her hometown Lisson Grove; "Oh, what harm is there in my leaving Lisson Grove? It wasn`t fit for a pig to live in; and I had to pay four-and-six a week"

Lastly, Eliza is clearly used to looking after herself this is seen when Freddy collides with her in the street, knocking her basket out of her hands she shouts to him "Nah then, Freddy: look wh`y` gowin, deah".

Mr. Higgins is also represented as a lone figure, clearly an outsider as a bystander points out through his attire that "He aint a tec. He`s a blooming busy-body: thats what he is. I tell you, look at his b?-oots".

Mr. Higgins is also a very strong character; even when a large crowd of bystanders are "demonstrating against police espionage...though the pressure of the mob trying to read it over his shoulders would upset a weaker man".

Mr. Higgins is well practised in his field; identifying up to four places of residence in one person`s voice and nine places all together. He is also well established within his field as the reader is able to discover that The Gentleman and Mr. Higgins were supposed to meet on business.

Shaw represents Mr. Higgins as brash through his firm tones displayed towards Eliza when she is upset, at first this also implies that he is unsympathetic towards those that are in pain or are emotionally suffering. However this statement is contradicted due to Mr. Higgins` later actions towards Eliza as he gives her "a half-crown, a couple of florins, several coins and a half-sovereign".