Consider the character of Henry Higgins. Is he closest in character to Doolittle, Freddy, or the sculptor, Pygmalion? Is Higgins a hero? A socialist with noble aspirations? Or a failure as a human being? Could Higgins be more accurately labeled an “anti-hero?” Research this archetype and discuss.
Professor Henry Higgins has perhaps the most interesting and well-rounded character in all of Pygmalion. On one hand he brought a lowly street urchin up into the high end of society, taking her out of the slums and into balls and parties. On the other hand he did it not because he cared for her, but because he made a bet to prove that he could. He did not do it for Eliza, and though he did end up caring for her later on, it was never his intent to ever have feelings for her.
His intentions were absolutely selfish, so he could not possibly begged as a noble hero. While many would claim that Eliza is the protagonist, though, the true culprit for the one who guides the tale is Higgins. It was his bet upon which the story progressed, and while this bet did circulate on how well Eliza adapted to a new life, the transformation was ultimately seen outside of Eliza's perspective. The story follows Higgins, and although he most certainly is not a great guy, he is necessarily described as 'the good guy'. It would be safest to describe Higgins with the archetype of the anti-hero. He does not have the most heroic or noble of stature and traits, but he is the one whom the story follows.
So, who is closest in character to Higgins? Is it Pickering? Eliza herself? What about Freddy? While he does share similarities between all three of these characters, he is ultimately dissimilar to all three. Higgins and Pickering are both masters of linguistics, but Pickering's moral standing and demeanor is a stark contrast to Higgins' own. Eliza may have transformed herself into a high class woman, and she is quite brash and spirited as Higgins is, but she did not have the same upbringing in the slightest, and Higgins treats everybody poorly, whereas Eliza at least tries to treat everybody with initial respect. Freddy's character is probably the most unlike Higgins', save for the fact that they are both romantically attracted to Eliza. Their personalities bear virtually no similarities; at least none that are important to the plot.
The best candidate for the most similar character is Alfred Doolittle. They are both not only confident and demanding in personality, but also very cynical upon how they view the world. Neither man would make the best of acquaintances, but they are both "respectable" gentlemen of the high class, though it could be argued that not even Higgins deserves to be.
Professor Henry Higgins has perhaps the most interesting and well-rounded character in all of Pygmalion. On one hand he brought a lowly street urchin up into the high end of society, taking her out of the slums and into balls and parties. On the other hand he did it not because he cared for her, but because he made a bet to prove that he could. He did not do it for Eliza, and though he did end up caring for her later on, it was never his intent to ever have feelings for her.
His intentions were absolutely selfish, so he could not possibly begged as a noble hero. While many would claim that Eliza is the protagonist, though, the true culprit for the one who guides the tale is Higgins. It was his bet upon which the story progressed, and while this bet did circulate on how well Eliza adapted to a new life, the transformation was ultimately seen outside of Eliza's perspective. The story follows Higgins, and although he most certainly is not a great guy, he is necessarily described as 'the good guy'. It would be safest to describe Higgins with the archetype of the anti-hero. He does not have the most heroic or noble of stature and traits, but he is the one whom the story follows.
So, who is closest in character to Higgins? Is it Pickering? Eliza herself? What about Freddy? While he does share similarities between all three of these characters, he is ultimately dissimilar to all three. Higgins and Pickering are both masters of linguistics, but Pickering's moral standing and demeanor is a stark contrast to Higgins' own. Eliza may have transformed herself into a high class woman, and she is quite brash and spirited as Higgins is, but she did not have the same upbringing in the slightest, and Higgins treats everybody poorly, whereas Eliza at least tries to treat everybody with initial respect. Freddy's character is probably the most unlike Higgins', save for the fact that they are both romantically attracted to Eliza. Their personalities bear virtually no similarities; at least none that are important to the plot.
The best candidate for the most similar character is Alfred Doolittle. They are both not only confident and demanding in personality, but also very cynical upon how they view the world. Neither man would make the best of acquaintances, but they are both "respectable" gentlemen of the high class, though it could be argued that not even Higgins deserves to be.