Reviews

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

whippycleric's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
I'll start this by saying I haven't watched My Fair Lady and I picked this up off @friendofgossig 's shelf for a quick read having not read many plays before but enjoyed those which I have so thought it could be a nice quick read.
 
 The characters in this are a lot of fun, there's a great variety with each character bringing something different to the story, Eliza and Higgins have a bit of depth as well which is impressive given the length of the book. There were several laugh out loud points throughout, and I found myself quoting bits of the play afterwards. I always seem to enjoy stories of social mobility set in this era and this was different to a lot of other plots I've seen following that theme.
 
 I can't imagine another ending being much better so I suspect I'll be disappointed with My Fair Lady but I'll decide when I watch it eventually. My edition had a section at the end with a sequel to summarise what happened in the future which tied up the story nicely. I'll try to read more plays in the future I think as so far I've always enjoyed them and I can't get to the theater myself as often as I'd like. If I see anything by Shaw playing though I'll be going out of my way to attend.
 
 

debbyraynor's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

This is what My Fair Lady was based on but it’s different, better. It’s a look at class, society and feminism and it’s great

itsautumntime's review against another edition

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Already better than the movie because there is no hint that she might end up with Henry Higgins.

meridthgimbel's review against another edition

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3.0

4 stars for Pygmalion and 2 stars for My Fair Lady for completely missing the point of the the play.

havefa1th's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

marcele's review against another edition

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4.0

Higgins is detestable but funny, and Eliza is really something, a substantial character that shows we are more than our social stand. Her determination and development were astonishing to read. Great play.

raven_the_clover_moth's review against another edition

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funny reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

lillian_bailey's review against another edition

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2.0

I read this for school, and it was pretty boring. The movie, my fair lady, is much better. I would've DNF this if it wasn't required reading.
CW: None

stellarae25's review against another edition

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1.0

I did not enjoy this at all.

molldollriv's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this play to be quite entertaining. I've been meaning to read it ever since I saw "My Fair Lady" and I was quite surprised how much the musical stays true to the original play. However, I will say that I prefer the play's ending over the musical's. I enjoyed the commentary on the superficiality of class and the divide it puts between people. It was very funny as well and I would love to see it performed live.

I recently listened to a production of the play put out by L.A. Theatre Works and I would have to say it is definitely better than just reading it as it was written to be performed. You get a much better understanding of Eliza Doolittle's transformation when you can hear it.