Thoughts on Pygmalion

BEWARE OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS.

I read this after seeing Azealia Banks at Summer Breeze (she was AMAZING!) and drinking 4 screwdrivers.

Good times.

Surprisingly, I was able to comprehend most of it, despite my not-quite-sober state.

And I loved it.

Though I am conflicted by the ending that Shaw gives to his play. I know Eliza’s decision to marry Freddy is a wise one. He’s kind, he truly loves her, and she truly loves him. Plus, he’s attractive and not old enough to be her dad (like Henry).

But a part of me did want her to end up with Henry. Yes, it would be a cliche. And yes, he is a dick. He’s condescending, he threatens to kill her like every ten pages, he has a weird Oedipus complex, and he’s controlling (Shaw pretty much says all of this in his afterword).

But there is a reason why Eliza ends up with Henry and not Freddy in My Fair Lady and Selfie (oh, how I still grieve over your premature cancellation. Yeah, technically, you don’t know if Eliza and Henry end up together in the TV show, but come fucking on. You KNOW).

And that is the scorching chemistry that comes with a love/loathing relationship. The chemistry between Karen Gillan and John Cho? SO FUCKING HOT.

Plus, I have a thing for Cinderella tales and people ending up with their benefactors.

But ultimately, yes, Freddy is the best choice. In real life, you choose the kind loving dude (even if he is poorer) over the cold dick (even if he is rich).

But when it comes to Selfie, Eliza and Henry all the way! Like, no fucking question about it.

Regardless of who you want Eliza to end up with, Pygmalion is worth reading because of the sparkling witty dialogue and wonderful characters.