Compare/Contrast the Treatment of Femininity in Pygmalion...

Historically, the treatment of femininity in literature is wide ranging. Some texts explore the feelings and responsibilities involved with typically feminine traits such as motherhood and in social environments, while others highlight more feminist issues such as the struggle for equality and male oppression. Authors of both sexes have made major contributions to this area in literature but it remains surprising that male writers have been able to perceptively portray women above their previously subordinate positions in society. In George Bernard Shaws Pygmalion, we see the main character, Eliza Doolittle transformed from an ill-mannered Cockney flower girl into a high society debutante with the help of some elocution lessons†¦show more content†¦Perhaps the most striking part of this supposedly ‘romantic text is that the hero and heroine part company at the end. This is because Shaw did not want the traditional ‘Cinderella ending to the story as feminists see marriage as a completely patriarchal institution that further dominates women.à ¼ If Eliza had married Higgins, he would probably have expected her to play the part of the doting wife but Eliza has transformed herself from a helpless girl to a very independent woman and does not wish for this kind of life. Her alternative, Freddy, although perhaps a little dim for Eliza, is kind and would not treat her as subordinate . In Euripides play, the main character has already undergone a transformation but this time she has changed from being Medea, the queen and mother, instead taking on a more masculine and at times, an extremely ‘barbaric role. The play begins with Medeas nurse setting the scene and introducing the main topic running through the play, the oppression of women in society. The nurse explains the betrayal of Medea by her husband Jason and brings to light the feelings that Medea is experiencing, ‘scorned and shamed