Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
  • 1. Pygmalion is a renowned play written by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913, which explores the themes of social class, transformation, and identity through the story of a phonetics professor, Henry Higgins, and a common flower girl, Eliza Doolittle. The narrative begins when Higgins makes a bet with Colonel Pickering that he can transform Eliza, with her strong Cockney accent and poor societal standing, into a refined lady who can speak and behave like a duchess. This endeavor leads to a complex exploration of language as a tool of identity and social mobility, as Eliza undergoes an incredible metamorphosis, both in speech and in her self-perception. Throughout the play, Shaw critiques the rigid British class system and examines the power dynamics between Higgins and Eliza, highlighting issues of gender and class struggle. As Eliza increasingly asserts her independence and challenges Higgins' authority, the play raises questions about the nature of true transformation and whether one's social status genuinely defines one's worth. Shaw's witty dialogue and sharp social commentary make Pygmalion a captivating study of human relationships and societal expectations, culminating in an ending that leaves audiences pondering the implications of Eliza's newfound identity, independence, and the ambiguous nature of love.

    What is the main subject of 'Pygmalion'?
A) War and conflict
B) Romantic relationships
C) Economic theories
D) Social class and transformation
  • 2. Who is the main female character in 'Pygmalion'?
A) Eliza Doolittle
B) Colonel Pickering
C) Henry Higgins
D) Neppomuck
  • 3. What profession does Henry Higgins have?
A) Linguistics researcher
B) Poet
C) Banker
D) Phonetics professor
  • 4. Who takes on the challenge of transforming Eliza?
A) Mrs. Pearce
B) Colonel Pickering
C) Henry Higgins
D) Alfred Doolittle
  • 5. What language does Eliza struggle to speak correctly?
A) French
B) Spanish
C) German
D) English
  • 6. Where does the story of 'Pygmalion' primarily take place?
A) Dublin
B) Paris
C) New York
D) London
  • 7. What is a key theme of 'Pygmalion'?
A) Friendship
B) Identity and class
C) Revenge
D) Loyalty
  • 8. What happens at the end of 'Pygmalion'?
A) Eliza asserts her independence
B) Eliza goes back to her old life
C) Higgins becomes poor
D) Eliza marries Higgins
  • 9. What instrument does Higgins play?
A) The guitar
B) The violin
C) The piano
D) The flute
  • 10. What literary device is frequently used in 'Pygmalion'?
A) Social satire
B) Allegory
C) Fantasy
D) Tragedy
  • 11. Who becomes infatuated with Eliza?
A) Alfred Doolittle
B) Henry Higgins
C) Freddy Eynsford-Hill
D) Colonel Pickering
  • 12. Who is the author of 'Pygmalion'?
A) Charles Dickens
B) T.S. Eliot
C) George Bernard Shaw
D) Oscar Wilde
  • 13. Which character serves as a contrast to Higgins in the play?
A) Alfred Doolittle
B) Colonel Pickering
C) Mrs. Higgins
D) Freddy Eynsford-Hill
  • 14. What accent does Eliza Doolittle initially have?
A) British
B) Scottish
C) Cockney
D) American
  • 15. What does Higgins use to evaluate Eliza's progress?
A) Social gatherings
B) Written exams
C) Phonetic tests
D) Physical training
  • 16. What does Eliza sell at the beginning of the play?
A) Toys
B) Flowers
C) Clothes
D) Candy
  • 17. What does Higgins challenge Eliza to transform into?
A) A socialite
B) An actress
C) A princess
D) A duchess
  • 18. What is Alfred Doolittle's role?
A) A wealthy gentleman
B) Higgins' rival
C) Eliza's father
D) A phonetics expert
  • 19. Which flower is associated with Eliza Doolittle?
A) A rose
B) A flower girl
C) A daisy
D) An orchid
  • 20. What is the significance of the title 'Pygmalion'?
A) It hints at romance
B) It implies adventure
C) It suggests conflict
D) It refers to the myth of transformation
  • 21. What motivates Alfred Doolittle's character in the play?
A) Knowledge and education
B) Power and control
C) Money and self-interest
D) Love and loyalty
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