The Subtitle ‘A Romance in Five Acts' Amelie Maurice-Jones College

Bernard Shaw’s 1914 drama ‘Pygmalion’ finds its roots in the classical myth of Ovid, who writes an erotic tale of romance between a sculptor an this status in ‘Metamorphoses’. It is unsurprising therefore that Shaw’s play has often been celebrated as a story of budding romance- which echoes Ovid’s verse throughout. Contemporary audiences oft read the relationship between Eliza and Higgins as one of sexual passion, leading to many interpretations of the play in which the couple wed in the closing scene. Nonetheless, the romantic connections between Eliza and Freddy arguably offer a genuine degree of tenderness Higgins lacks- allowing it- for some- to triumph as the play’s most significant romance.

The drama tracks the unfolding relationship between flower-girl Eliza, and mentor- Higgins- allowing for clear and un-subtle romantic undertones to transform into overtones as the plot progresses. ‘Pygmalion’ shares its title with Ovid’s mythic character who became so deeply transfixed with this crafted statue, that goddess Venus transformed her from stone to flesh- allowing for a sensual and mutual romance to develop. This tale might be seen to unify Shaw’s drama- through providing an extended structure to the narrative, suggesting...