Pygmalion

THEMES Major Theme In Pygmalion, Shaw presents the classic theme of drama - the complexity inherent in human relationships. The play's major thematic concern is of course, romantic, as suggested by the title itself. In the Pygmalion narrative as told by Ovid in Metamorphoses, Pygmalion is described as having a repulsion for women and he thus decides to remain single. Ovid explains that Pygmalion's disgust for women is due to the behavior of the propoetides, …

…it that has come my way." Eliza cannot seek consolation in such impersonal generalities. Higgins's declaration that he has grown accustomed to her voice and face does not impress Eliza, who prefers Freddy's simple-minded proclamation of devotion to Higgins' profound indifference. Shaw himself favors Eliza's union with Freddy since as he writes in the sequel to the play, "Galatea never does quite like Pygmalion; his relation to her is too godlike to be altogether agreeable".