Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Grade Level: This lesson plan is adaptable for high school (9th-12th grade) depending on the complexity of activities chosen.

Subject: Literature

Time Allotment: This lesson plan is designed for 4-6 weeks, depending on how in-depth you want to go with the play and activities.

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to summarize the plot of Pygmalion.
  • Students will be able to analyze the characters and their motivations, particularly Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins.
  • Students will be able to understand and interpret themes in the play, such as social class, gender roles, and language as a tool for social mobility.
  • Students will be able to identify Shavian wit and dramatic techniques.

Materials:

  • Copies of Pygmalion (there are many student-friendly editions available)
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers/pens
  • Chart paper or index cards (for activity)
  • Internet access (optional)

Lesson Outline:

Week 1: Introduction & Setting the Stage

  • Day 1:

✵ Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction to George Bernard Shaw and his importance in the Fabian Society and the movement for social reform.

✵ Building Background Knowledge: Discuss the concept of social class and its impact on individuals' lives. Briefly explore the Victorian Era's social hierarchy.

✵ Act I Introduction: Read Act I, Scene 1 as a class, discussing the characters and plot points introduced. Focus on the importance of Eliza's flower girl monologue.

  • Day 2:

✵ Act I & II Analysis: Divide students into small groups and assign different scenes from Acts I and II. Each group will analyze their assigned scene, identifying key characters, plot developments, and any social commentary they can find.

✵ Class Discussion: Have each group present their analysis to the class. Discuss as a whole class the themes and conflicts emerging in the play, particularly the clash between social classes and the role of language.

  • Day 3:

✵ Shavian Wit & Dramatic Techniques: This lesson focuses on identifying Shaw's signature witty dialogue and dramatic techniques. Discuss how Shaw uses humor and satire to convey social critique.

✵ Activity: Students can find examples of witty dialogue or dramatic irony in the play and explain how they contribute to the overall message.

Week 2 & 3: Class & Transformation

  • Days 4-8: Continue reading the play, Act by Act.

✵ Focus on Eliza's Transformation: Trace Eliza's transformation throughout the play, focusing on her developing speech patterns, behavior, and self-awareness. Consider the ethics of Higgins' experiment.

✵ Activities:

  • Social Class Comparison Chart: Create a chart comparing the characteristics, speech patterns, and opportunities associated with the upper and lower classes in the play.
  • Before & After: Students write a short monologue from Eliza's perspective, once at the beginning of the play and again after her transformation. This helps explore her changing thoughts and emotions.
  • Discussions: Throughout the week, dedicate time for class discussions to analyze how social class shapes identity, the role of education and language in social mobility, and the portrayal of gender roles in the play.

Week 4: Consequences & Choices

  • Days 9-10: Read Acts IV and V.

✵ Focus on Conflict: Discuss the conflict between Eliza and Higgins, particularly her desire for independence and his controlling nature.

✵ The Pygmalion Myth: Analyze the play's connection to the Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea. How does Shaw subvert the myth's ending?

Week 5 & 6: Analysis & Reflection

  • Day 11:

✵ Final Discussion: Hold a final class discussion to summarize the play, revisit the main themes, and answer any lingering questions.

✵ Essay Prompt: Assign an essay where students analyze a specific character's development or a major theme in the play and its relevance to contemporary society.

  • Days 12-13 (Optional):

✵ Creative Projects: Students can choose from various creative projects to demonstrate their understanding of the play. Options include:

  • Modern Retelling: Rewrite a scene from the play in a modern setting, exploring how social class issues might manifest today.
  • Character Interview: Students can choose a character and write a mock interview, delving deeper into their motivations, opinions on social class, and the events of the play.
  • Day 14 (Optional):

✵ Extension Activity:

  • Research famous actors who have portrayed Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins throughout history.
  • Watch a film adaptation of Pygmalion and compare it to the play (several film versions are available, including "My Fair Lady"). Discuss how the themes are conveyed differently in each medium.

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for students who struggle with Shaw's dialogue by offering annotations or paraphrased versions of complex passages.
  • Offer students choice in their activities and projects to cater to different learning styles.
  • Encourage students to find modern-day examples of social class barriers and how language can be used to navigate them.