The quotation from Nietzsche that Shaw quotes at the end of the play relates closely to Eliza’s relationship with Higgins because their relationship is abusive and despotic.

At the end of the play, George Bernard Shaw writes,

Eliza has no use for the foolish romantic tradition that all women love to be mastered, if not actually bullied and beaten. “When you go to women,” says Nietzsche, “take your whip with you.”

In a sense, Henry Higgins “whips” Eliza Doolittle by transforming her from a working-class flower seller to someone who could be mistaken for a member of the upper class. The makeover is abusive since Higgins manipulates her, objectifies her, and threatens to physically assault her. As Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote exhibits a brutal, patronizing attitude toward women, the quote fits the relationship between Doolittle and Higgins. However, Doolittle, as Shaw notes, also subverts Higgins and Nietzsche, since she asserts her autonomy and stands up to the man who figuratively whips her. “I’m not afraid of you, and can do without you,” she tells Higgins.

Colonel Pickering is less degrading, so the Nietzsche quote doesn’t apply to him as much. Compared to Higgins, Pickering treats Doolittle with respect, calling her “Miss Doolittle.” Freddy, too, calls her “Miss Doolittle.” He’s smitten with her, so he wants to please her, not tyrannize or “whip” her.