Themes
Theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly.
Pygmalion example: There are many themes at work in this play. The most prominent being the artificiality and ridiculousness of class distinctions. The entire play is a criticism of society’s obsession with class distinction built on wealth. Shaw points out the callousness of indifference to human worth through Eliza’s transformation. Most people disrespect her when she is poor and only care about her once she is thought to be socially elite, and she can only succeed if she speaks and dresses correctly. He satirizes the ceremonies that define class distinctions such as proper conversational manners. He also points out through characters like Alfred Doolittle and Mrs. Enysford Hill that in each class there is grey areas and that society is not solely comprised of the rich and the poor. |