Question

question 3 of 10
how are the original myth of pygmalion and its interpretations, the musical my fair lady and the play pygmalion, similar?
a. both focus on the idea that one person is trying to create or shape another.
b. both use the same choice of medium to produce their original work.
c. both use a gloomy tone to appeal to the emotions of the audience.
d. both contain characters that sing their thoughts and emotions.

Explanation:

In the original Pygmalion myth, Pygmalion sculpts a statue (Galatea) and wishes for it to come to life (shaping her). In Pygmalion (the play) by George Bernard Shaw, Professor Higgins attempts to transform Eliza Doolittle's speech and manners (shaping her). In My Fair Lady (the musical adaptation of the play), the same core idea of one person (Higgins) trying to shape another (Eliza) remains.

• Option B is incorrect because the original myth is a story (oral - literary tradition), the play is a theatrical work, and the musical is a different medium (music - theater combination).
• Option C is wrong as the original myth has a more fantastical and in some tellings, a romantic (not gloomy) tone, and the play has a more satirical and at times humorous tone (not uniformly gloomy).
• Option D is incorrect since the original myth is a non - musical story (no singing of thoughts/emotions), while the musical My Fair Lady has characters singing.

Answer:

A. Both focus on the idea that one person is trying to create or shape another.