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Introduction

What do you consider to be the importance of the role of Alfred Doolittle for the play as a whole? Alfred Doolittle is a working class dustman. He is Eliza's father and an important character to the theme of class distinction. To the original middle-class Edwardian audience, Doolittle would be a very representational working-class figure. His name alone, 'Doo-Little,' epitomises the stereotypical middle-class view of the working class man, who doesn't do as much as he could, therefore making him 'undeserving.' However, this view is challenged by Doolittle's pride in being one of these 'undeserving poor.' He says he 'means to go on being undeserving.' Doolittle takes this social stigma as a compliment, which would have shocked his audience, but also created humour. Doolittle's values in life would also have challenged the middle-class perception of the working classes. His attitude to marriage and s*x would have shocked the audience. Doolittle says of his mistress, 'catch her marrying me!' His mistress will not marry Doolittle, because that would give him dominion over her. ...read more.

Middle

Doolittle has very strong views about what he calls 'middle class morality.' When asked by Pickering if he has any morals, Doolittle replies, 'can't afford'em.' He goes on to say that middle class morality is 'just an excuse for not giving me anything.' Doolittle feels that the middle class use their morality as a method of keeping the undeserving poor as poor as they are. Later, when Doolittle has been 'shoved' into the middle class, he says that middle class morality is, 'having to live for others and not myself.' His money has not made him happy, rather the opposite, and the middle class 'morals forced upon him have cause him to have to give money to people who insist on working for him. This aspect of Doolittle's role is important to the play because it would have made the middle class audience question whether or not their money made them happy. Doolittle also acts as a foil for Higgins, they reinforce each other's characteristics. For example when the pair first meet, Higgins speaks to Doolittle with the assured authority of a middle class gentleman, 'what do you want, Doolittle?' ...read more.

Conclusion

This is important to the play because it provides a conflict to Eliza's opinion that the difference between the two classes is not 'how they speak, but how they are treated.' Finally, Doolittle is a source of humour in the play. His values and attitudes create a paradoxical humour, because they are the polar opposite to what the middle classes would expect a working class man to think. His juxtaposition of ideas 'I want a bit of amusement, 'cause I'm a thinking man,' also has this effect. His essential confidence and cheerfulness also creates a focus of humour. This humour is important to the play, because, essentially, Pygmalion is a romantic comedy. Alfred Doolittle's role represents the working class man; however it also challenges the stereotypes that the middle class assumed about the working class. He acts as a signpost for class distinction, as he is also a foil for Higgins' character. These functions are important to Pygmalion as a whole, because they allow Shaw to further explore the idea of class distinction, and continue to challenge the English middle class views. ?? ?? ?? ?? Joanna Bartlett 11vi Exam Practice Pygmalion Doolittle Essay Focus ...read more.

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