Egoistic Actions

George Shaw's Pygmalion portrays Mr. Higgins as an intelligent man who is capable of transforming others. Mr. Higgins can convert a simple, uneducated girl into an educated and beautiful young woman in a matter of time. "Well, sir, in three months I could pass that girl off as a duchess at an ambassador's garden party" (957 ) However, the action he is about to commit is not for the benefit of Eliza's, but for Mr. Higgins, himself. In other words, Mr. Higgins wants to show off how well he can change this girl in a few months. He does not care about anything else but the completion of this experiment. Eliza notices that he is egocentric and may be using her. "Oh, you've no feeling heart in you: you dont care for nothing but yourself" (966).

According to Chen Lihua, "Higgins is by nature celibate and self-centered"(43). He does not show any sign of respect. He does not treat Eliza for the girl she is and for the woman she became. Because of Eliza's social class, Mr. Higgins does not think it is important to appreciate her dignity. Mr. Higgins is a selfish man who does things for his own good rather than anyone else's. Mr. Higgins has behaved as a strict father to Eliza. Lihua also explains that he is "more like a child than Eliza"(43). Can Mr. Higgins prove himself as a father? Readers may think he is a strong figure, but I disagree. The only moment he changed was during the end of the play. Mr. Higgins became aware of Eliza's purpose in his life. He never had the chance to show her he cares. It might have been too late, but his eyes opened to a lesson learned. One cannot live through life being narcissistic.