Henry Higgins Idealizes his Mother in Pygmalion by Barnard Shaw

Henry Higgins Idealizes his Mother in Pygmalion by 

Barnard Shaw

Keywords: Idealize, Trust, Support

            Mr. Higgins seems to idealize his mother as she is mature and wise lady, having worldly wisdom. There are several aspects which show Higgins attachment with his mother.

            Mrs. Higgins says that it is a pity that he never falls in love except with the woman who are forty five or above. He replies that he doesn’t wish to be bothered by young women and says his idea of loveable woman is somebody as like is mother as possible. He trusts his mother and goes on to say that he can never fall in love with any young woman. Some habits, he says, are too deep to be changed. He argues that he is used to with his mother and such habits he can’t change at. He needs a woman l similar to his mother in wisdom, judgment and exposure.

            Mr. Higgins teaches Liza far from his mother but still he prefers Liza’s performance in her judgment. His mother’s comments about Liza mean to him. Though she doesn’t like his coming while her guests were present at home but still he depends upon her.

            He explains her as, “I've a sort of bet on that I'll pass her off as a duchess in six months. I started on her some months ago; and she's getting on like a house on fire. I shall win my bet. She has a quick ear; and she's been easier to teach than my middle-class pupils because she's had to learn a complete.”

            It can be observed whenever he is in difficulties he knocks his mother’s door. Twice in the play he connects his mother to get her support. First he wanted to introduce Liza to his mother to get her remarks. Second time he again comes to her to get her support while things are going out of his control he feels need her mother’s support. She calls him as , “you silly boy”.