However, in Act IV, Shaw begins to portray Higgins differently. At the end of the act, when Eliza comes into confrontation with him, Higgins is offended by the argument. A person with no emotions towards Eliza would not engage in the argument, let alone feel hurt when they realizes that Eliza is truly angered. Higgins does not react the way I expected. He even admits to Eliza that he never gets upset over people.
This scenes shows a softer side to Higgins. Yes, he does insult Eliza but the way he displays his anger is a new emotion not seen in his character. Higgins shows true human emotions, becoming sulky and distraught over Eliza's feelings about him. In addition, after she ran away, Higgins calls the police and runs to his mother's house, worried for her. Though many may argue that Higgins is a heartless man, I believe there is compassion within his heart. Though he never admits it, I believe Higgins truly loves Eliza, whether it is in a father/daughter relationship, or a man/woman relationship.
I agree with you Tara. I do not believe Higgins is the heartless man some readers portray him as. In everyday life there are people who are rude and insensitive, that is just who they are. A character in a play should be viewed similarly. I do believe that the audience characterizes Higgins this way because of our societies obsession with a "happy ending" or a gallant hero.
ReplyDeleteI thought Weintraub's article "A Classic Aspergen" presents valid ideas about Higgins' mysterious personality. I think we can all agree that Higgins lacks empathy, is socially awkward and makes inappropriate responses. As an Aspergen, Higgins would be unable to control these effects of the disorder. While visiting her mother and her guests he makes unmannerly comments but then quickly apologizes as if he has no power over what comes out of his mouth, "Oh have I been rude? I didn't mean to be." If Higgins was such an awful, spiteful man would he really be apologetic?
Throughout the play Higgins threatens Eliza with violence. These vulgar remarks may convince readers that Higgins is the villain to an innocent woman; however, Higgins does not ever go through with these threats. Higgins promises to throw Eliza back it to the gutter where she came from when he is done experimenting and asks Pickering if he should invite Eliza in his home or throw her out the window. These acts are never fulfilled.
Although Higgins may not be the "likeable" character Shaw describes him as, he is not the evil monster some readers characterize him as. If the audience considered his possible Asberger Disorder or read his words less critically they would see a different man.
I am not sure if I agree.I too enjoy Higgins, his mannerisims , the way he carries himself as an astute indiviudal, makes me take a liking towards him. Although, I belive he does not have a negative attitude towards life, but rather a realistic one. Those comments that he made about his mother could just show is true feelings of resentment towards her. It is seen throughout the text that his mother, everytime they interact, is always trying to restrain him, or hold him back. Its possible that she does not approve of Higgin's profession and/or intelligence ; therefore wanting him to be ordinary and subtle.
ReplyDeleteAs for his feelings towards Eliza, I believe he has none. Throughout the whole play he is simply doing his job, just like any other teacher or professer would.When Eliza and Higgin's have a confrontation Higgins,reacts towards her like any professer would approach a frantic student. He nonchalantly questions Eliza about her upset state and even though she threatens to " smash his face" with a slipper, he manages to give her a logical or otherwise conforting advice. His confession that he never gets upset with people, is just a sign of a good teacher.
In response of Eliza's disapearence, Higgins acted professionally by reporting her disapearence to the authorities. However the argument can be made that he did care for Eliza, I belive that it was the same type of caring feeling that a teacher has towards a student. In the process of education teachers want their students to do well because the student becomes a reflection of the teacher. Higgins cared for Eliza because she reflected his lifes work and nothing more