The play Pygmalion focuses on the character of Higgins, an authority on _(1) who transforms Eliza from a _(2) to an upper-class lady. Eliza, initially a _(3) with a Cockney accent, aspires to something finer with _(4). Colonel Pickering, a master of _(5), is kind and courteous towards Eliza. Mrs. Higgins, a gracious upper-class lady, is _(6) the issues with her son's experiment on Eliza. Freddy, a good-natured young man infatuated with Eliza, is devoted to her unlike Higgins. Mrs. Pierce, Higgins's housekeeper, ensures Eliza is cared for and pushes Higgins to consider Eliza's future. Symbols like the _(7), _(8), and the _(9) represent themes of transformation, social status, and self-awareness.

Correct Answers – Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

1. Phonetics

2. Flower girl

3. Poor girl

4. Intelligence and ambition

5. Indian dialects

6. Aware of

7. Flower shop

8. Clothing

9. Mirror

Completed Passage

The play Pygmalion focuses on the character of Higgins, an authority on phonetics (1), who transforms Eliza from a flower girl (2) to an upper-class lady. Eliza, initially a poor girl (3) with a Cockney accent, aspires to something finer with intelligence and ambition (4).

Colonel Pickering, a master of Indian dialects (5), is kind and courteous towards Eliza. Mrs. Higgins, a gracious upper-class lady, is aware of (6) the issues with her son's experiment on Eliza.

Freddy, a good-natured young man infatuated with Eliza, is devoted to her, unlike Higgins. Mrs. Pearce, Higgins's housekeeper, ensures Eliza is cared for and pushes Higgins to consider Eliza's future.

Symbols like the flower shop (7), clothing (8), and the mirror (9) represent themes of transformation, social status, and self-awareness.

Explanation

Professor Henry Higgins is an expert in phonetics, the scientific study of speech sounds. He teaches Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower seller, to speak with the pronunciation associated with the upper classes.

Eliza's intelligence and ambition motivate her to improve her circumstances and gain independence. Colonel Pickering, an expert in Indian dialects, treats her respectfully, helping her develop confidence and self-respect.

Mrs. Higgins recognizes the ethical problems with her son's experiment, particularly his failure to consider Eliza's future once her training is complete.

The three symbols highlight important themes:

• Flower shop: Represents Eliza's ambition to improve her life and achieve financial independence.

• Clothing: Symbolizes social class, outward appearance, and transformation.

• Mirror: Represents Eliza's growing self-awareness and developing identity.

Ultimately, Pygmalion explores how language and social expectations influence identity, while emphasizing that genuine personal transformation involves more than changing one's speech or appearance.