How does Pygmalion highlight the importance of accent, manners and words in 1912?

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John McCaw        English        I.P.H

How does Pygmalion highlight the importance of accent, manners and words in 1912?

The Early 20th century was similar to the late 19th. Society was class based and reputation was the most prized possession of any upper or middle class citizen. Reputation was earned through class and politeness of manner, impressing and gaining the favour of those of your class and others. George Bernard Shaw, the author, would have known much about this system, as he was part of the Fabians Society, which was established to attempt equality between classes in England.

        Pygmalion is based on the importance of accent, manners and words, as Professor Higgins’ aim is to pass Eliza off as a duchess. As Higgins says in act I “What is life but a series of inspired follies? The difficulty is to find them to do. I shall make a duchess of this draggletailed guttersnipe”.  A duchess was one of the most elegant and regal positions in nobility. They had perfect manners, impeccable accents and styles of life that were greatly reputed to be the most glamorous in all of London, and could never thought to be imitated by a mere commoner.

        The first instance that exemplifies the importance of accent and manners is in Act I.  Higgins says “You see this creature with her kerbstone English: The English that will keep her in the gutter till the end of her days”. In this excerpt, Higgins basically explains how important accent and manner is. He starts by calling her a “creature”. This metaphor is well placed as a description of her monstrous appearance and manner. He then talks about her “kerbstone English”, which implies that it is only fit for those who live on the streets. Then explaining that her “English will keep her in the gutter”. As this comes from an accents specialist, it is valid proof that accent and manners were extremely important in the lives of people in early 20th Century England.

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        Another good example of the importance of Accent and reputation is Mrs. Pearce. Being a middle class citizen, she looks up to upper class gentlemen such as professor Higgins. “What do you think a gentleman like Mr. Higgins cares what you came in?” This shows that the typical upper class person in early 20th century London is thought to be someone with much more important things to do than be bothered with trivial details from those of a lower class, and that it was common for lower class people to assume this. Mrs. Pearce later says, “How can you be such ...

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