The stage directions include a description of Higgins. Summarize what he is like.
Scientific type - careless - self-impetuous baby
Why does Eliza come to Higgins' laboratory?
She wants speech lessons so she can work in a flower shop
How does Higgins treat her?
Like an object
How does Pickering treat her?
Like a lady
How does Pickering differ from Higgins in character, drive, and attitude?
Pickering is sensible and kind; Higgins is indifferent to Eliza seems callous
How does Mrs. Pearce react to Eliza?
She is the voice of reason - she doesn't think Eliza should be there
Mrs.
Pearce makes some suggestions to Higgins. What are they?
Cuss less, not sit around in his robe
What is Mrs. Pearce's biggest concern?
What will become of Eliza?
How does Higgins respond to Mrs. Pearce's concerns?
He dismisses them
What is the bet made between Higgins and Pickering?
Higgins will pass her off as a Duchess
What plan is set in action as a result of the bet?
Pickering will pay all costs
What reasons does Higgins give for remaining a "confirmed old bachelor"?
When he makes friends with a woman he becomes jealous and selfish
Eliza is a tough street girl, but Shaw goes to great lengths to establish her innocent nature.
Cite some examples.
She enjoys her first taxi ride, she is afraid of a bath, adamant about morality
Doolittle exposes the pretensions of the "middle class morality", an excuse for never giving to the poor. Why does Doolittle prefer his own "undeserving poverty"?
He has no responsibility and can remain so
How does Higgins define snobbery?
Cutting old friends out when you rise in the world
