Shavian
If a work is Shavian, it is of, relating to, or characteristic of George Bernard Shaw or his works. Shaw's plays, referred to as "Shavian plays" are exceptional for their characteristic contrasting of reality with conventional wisdom. They express Shaw's belief in "life force" and that women are attuned to life force in a keener degree than men are and they involve a theme with criticism.
Pygmalion Example: Pygmalion is a great example of a Shavian play. In regards of contrasting reality with conventional wisdom, Pygmalion does so through the criticism of stereotyping classes. Conventional middle class wisdom states that lower class are less intelligent than the upper class, but the reality is the opposite. Eliza proves this when she turns out to be a clever and intelligent student. Mrs. Pearce expresses Shaw’s belief that women are more attuned to life force than men. She shows concern for Eliza and her wellbeing after Higgins experiment is over while Higgins’ and Pickering do not. Obviously, Pygmalion involves a theme with criticism of society. |