My Fair Lady (1964)

Brief Intro

“My Fair Lady,” directed by George Cukor and released in 1964, is a musical film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion.” The film stars Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and Rex Harrison as Professor Henry Higgins. This charming story revolves around the transformation of a poor flower girl into a refined lady through the guidance of a phonetics professor. 🎬✨

Literary Devices Used in My Fair Lady

1. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Eliza’s first meeting with Higgins	Higgins refers to Eliza as “a squashed cabbage leaf.”
The ball scene	Eliza’s transformation is compared to a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis.

2. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Higgins’ belief in his own superiority	Despite his education, Higgins often exhibits less social grace than Eliza.
The Ascot Gavotte scene	The refined crowd’s behavior is as coarse as the common people they disdain.

3. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Eliza’s flower basket	Represents her social status and initial identity.
The phonograph machine	Symbolizes Higgins’ scientific approach to human interactions.

4. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Higgins’ introduction to Eliza	His initial disdain hints at the challenges in their relationship.
Eliza’s practice sessions	Predicts her eventual transformation and success.

5. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Higgins’ claims about his teaching	He dramatically asserts he could transform Eliza in just six months.
Alfred Doolittle’s speeches	Exaggerates his views on morality and social status.

6. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated phonetic exercises	Emphasizes the theme of transformation through education.
Eliza’s “I could have danced all night”	Reiterates her joy and personal growth.

7. Simile

Movie Scene	Device Example
Eliza’s description of her father	“He’s as clean as a newborn baby’s bottom.”
Higgins describing Eliza’s speech	“Your English is as bad as that of a navvy.”

8. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Higgins’ phonograph	Treated almost like a character in the story, aiding in Eliza’s transformation.
The house scenes	The Higgins household seems to “respond” to Eliza’s presence.

9. Alliteration

Movie Scene	Device Example
Eliza’s lessons	Repeated use of phrases like “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.”
Higgins’ exclamations	“By George, she’s got it!”

10. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to Greek mythology	The title and story allude to the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea.
Literary quotes by Higgins	Uses Shakespeare and other classic authors to make his points.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Eliza Doolittle

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Eliza is compared to a flower, symbolizing her growth and transformation.
Irony	Eliza, initially dismissed as a “gutter snipe,” becomes the epitome of grace.

Professor Henry Higgins

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	Higgins’ grandiose claims about his abilities emphasize his arrogance.
Allusion	His frequent references to classical literature highlight his education and superiority complex.

Colonel Pickering

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Represents the supportive, nurturing aspect of Eliza’s transformation.
Motif	His consistent politeness contrasts with Higgins, reinforcing the theme of true gentility.

Alfred P. Doolittle

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	His exaggerated views on morality and society provide comic relief and social commentary.
Irony	Despite his lowly status, he becomes a part of the middle class, highlighting social mobility.

Character Dynamics

Higgins and Eliza

Device	Explanation
Irony	Their relationship starts with conflict but evolves into mutual respect.
Metaphor	Their interactions serve as a metaphor for class and identity struggles.

Eliza and Pickering

Device	Explanation
Motif	Pickering’s kindness serves as a constant motif, contrasting with Higgins’ harshness.
Symbolism	Pickering symbolizes the gentlemanly conduct Eliza aspires to.

Thematic Analysis

Social Class and Mobility

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Eliza’s flower basket and clothing changes represent her social ascent.
Irony	The higher class characters often behave in ways that are less refined than Eliza’s new demeanor.

Transformation and Identity

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Eliza’s metamorphosis is akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
Foreshadowing	Early scenes hint at Eliza’s potential to transform.

Gender Roles

Device	Explanation
Allusion	References to traditional roles challenge and highlight the evolving identity of Eliza.
Hyperbole	The exaggerated treatment of Eliza by Higgins underscores gender dynamics.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Metaphor	Visual imagery	Eliza’s transformation is shown through costume changes and lighting.
Irony	Juxtaposition	Scenes contrast Higgins’ rudeness with Eliza’s growing sophistication.
Symbolism	Props and set design	The phonograph and flower basket are given significant visual emphasis.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated performances	Doolittle’s character is portrayed with grand gestures and over-the-top dialogue.
Foreshadowing	Subtle cues in direction	Early hints are visually reinforced with focused shots and music.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene 1: The Ascot Gavotte

YouTube Link: Ascot Gavotte Scene
Breakdown: This scene uses irony and visual contrast to depict the absurdity of high society. The sophisticated setting and refined behavior are juxtaposed with the characters’ vapid conversations, highlighting the shallow nature of social class distinctions.

Scene 2: Eliza’s Transformation

YouTube Link: Eliza’s Transformation
Breakdown: This pivotal scene uses metaphor and visual symbolism to depict Eliza’s metamorphosis. The use of mirrors and costumes enhances the theme of self-discovery and change, making her inner transformation visible.

Scene 3: “I Could Have Danced All Night”

YouTube Link: I Could Have Danced All Night
Breakdown: This musical number employs motif and hyperbole to express Eliza’s newfound joy and freedom. The song’s repetitive structure emphasizes her excitement, while the elaborate set design and lighting enhance the dreamlike quality of her experience.

Conclusion

Ready to test your knowledge? Dive into this interactive quiz to see how well you’ve grasped the literary devices in “My Fair Lady”!

1. What literary device is used when Higgins refers to Eliza as “a squashed cabbage leaf”?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Metaphor
   • C) Hyperbole
   • D) Alliteration
2. Which character’s speeches provide comic relief through hyperbole?
   • A) Henry Higgins
   • B) Eliza Doolittle
   • C) Colonel Pickering
   • D) Alfred Doolittle
3. How does the Ascot Gavotte scene highlight social class distinctions?
   • A) Through metaphor
   • B) Through symbolism
   • C) Through irony
   • D) Through foreshadowing

Answers:

1. B) Metaphor
2. D) Alfred Doolittle
3. C) Through irony