1. In Act III, of Pygmalion, Clara and Eliza come across each other at Mrs Higging’ house. What opinion does Clara form about Eliza ?

Answer :- In Act III of Pygmalion, Clara Eynsford Hill comes with her mother to Mrs. Higgins’ house on Mrs. Higgins’ at-home day. This gathering is arranged by Professor Higgins so that he can test Eliza Doolittle’s progress in speaking like a duchess. During the visit, Clara meets Eliza and carefully observes her conversation and manners.

Unlike her mother, Mrs. Eynsford Hill, Clara is not shocked by Eliza’s strange language and behaviour. Eliza speaks in an unusual manner and even uses the word “bloody,” which was considered improper and vulgar in polite society at that time. Mrs. Eynsford Hill is surprised and uncomfortable hearing such language from a supposed lady. However, Clara reacts very differently. Instead of being offended, she finds Eliza’s style of conversation fresh and interesting.

Clara thinks that Eliza’s new kind of small talk is delightful and quite innocent. She believes that Eliza is introducing a new fashion in conversation. To Clara, the use of bold and unconventional expressions appears modern and fashionable rather than rude. She admires Eliza’s confidence and originality, even though Eliza does not fully understand the manners of high society.

Clara forms the opinion that Eliza represents a new social trend. She feels that educated people may soon begin to speak in the same free and informal way. Thus, Clara is impressed by Eliza and sees her speech as modern and stylish, while others are shocked by it.

2. Bernard Shaw uses dramatic irony to draw attention to the superficiality of class distinctions based on language. Elaborate on it by referring to Act III.

Answer :- In Act III of Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw uses dramatic irony to expose the superficiality of class distinctions based on language. Shaw strongly criticizes the common belief that people who speak refined English automatically belong to the upper class and are more cultured than others. Through the character of Eliza Doolittle, he proves that such distinctions are false and meaningless.

The dramatic irony in the act arises from the fact that the audience knows Eliza is only a poor flower girl who has been trained by Professor Higgins to speak properly. However, the guests at Mrs. Higgins’ at-home day are unaware of her real background. Because of her improved pronunciation and polished accent, they begin to accept her as a noble lady. This creates irony because Eliza’s social position has not truly changed; only her speech has changed.

Shaw shows that language, accent, and slang are simply habits that can be learned. They do not reveal a person’s true character, intelligence, or worth. Although Eliza still speaks about ordinary and inappropriate subjects, her refined accent makes people admire her. Clara Eynsford Hill even thinks Eliza’s strange expressions are fashionable and modern. Thus, people judge Eliza not by her thoughts or behaviour but only by the way she speaks.

Through this irony, Shaw exposes the foolishness of society’s dependence on language for judging class and culture. He suggests that class distinctions based only on speech are artificial and superficial. Act III therefore becomes an important commentary on the false values of Edwardian society.

3. What opinion do you form about the mother-son relationship from Act III ?
Elaborate with evidences from the text.

Answer :- In Act III of Pygmalion, the relationship between Mrs. Higgins and her son, Professor Henry Higgins, is presented as affectionate, understanding, and deeply caring. George Bernard Shaw uses their relationship to highlight one of the important themes of the play — the mother-son relationship.

Mrs. Higgins is shown as a loving and sensible mother who clearly understands her son’s nature and weaknesses. She often rebukes Higgins for his rude manners, careless behaviour, and lack of social understanding. For example, she warns him that Eliza is not merely an experiment but a human being with feelings. She also criticizes him for treating people badly and behaving thoughtlessly in social situations. However, even while correcting him, Mrs. Higgins never violently rejects or insults her son. Her criticism comes from affection and concern for him.

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4. Prof. Higgins is an ‘incorrigible character’. Comment on the same with reference to Act III.

Answer :- In Act III of Pygmalion, Professor Henry Higgins is presented as an incorrigible character because he refuses to change his rude and insensitive behaviour despite being highly educated and intelligent. His actions and attitude clearly show his lack of concern for the feelings of others.

One of the most important examples of Higgins’s incorrigible nature is the way he treats Eliza Doolittle. He does not see her as a human being with emotions and dignity but merely as an object of experiment. His main aim is to prove that he can transform a poor flower girl into a duchess by teaching her proper pronunciation and manners. He becomes so absorbed in his experiment that he remains insensitive to the consequences of the change in Eliza’s life.

 He never seriously thinks about her future, her emotions, or the difficulties she may face after leaving her old identity behind.

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