Student Question

Why is the subtitle of "Pygmalion" "A Romance"?

Quick answer:

The subtitle "A Romance" in "Pygmalion" is likely ironic. Although based on a Greek myth where Pygmalion falls in love with his creation, Galatea, the play itself does not conclude romantically. Eliza and Henry's relationship is passionate but contentious, and Eliza plans to marry Freddy. Shaw might be commenting on the nature of romance in his era, emphasizing women's autonomy in romantic decisions.

Expert Answers

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This play is based on an ancient Greek myth about a woman-hating sculptor, named Pygmalion, who created a statue of the perfect woman and then proceeded to fall in love with it. He named her Galatea, and his feelings for her were so sincere that the goddess of love, Aphrodite, took pity on him and brought Galatea to life. Therefore, we might consider the myth a kind of romance, since it ends with a couple apparently in love with one another. However, the play itself does not. It seems probable that Eliza and Henry have feelings for one another—they fight with lots of passion, to be sure—but she promises to marry Freddy and Henry only laughs at the thought. Therefore, calling this play "A Romance" seems to be a bit of irony: either because the two main characters fight like cats and dogs or because Shaw is, perhaps, commenting on the nature of romance in his era. We never learn of Galatea's feelings—perhaps she doesn't want to marry Pygmalion but cannot say so—but we certainly learn Eliza's. It is no longer simply a matter of what the man wants.

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