Bantam Classics 经典书：芭芭拉少校PYGMALION AND MAJOR BARBARA

Pygmalion and Major Barbara are two of George Bernard Shaw's most famous plays. In Pygmalion, which was later adapted into the musical My Fair Lady, Shaw tackles the topic of class distinction. Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, believes that speech and manners are crucial determinants of social status. To test his theory, he wagers that he can transform a common flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a lady and pass her off as a duchess. Shaw's biting satire exposes the utter absurdity and hypocrisy of class distinctions. In Major Barbara, Shaw explores the conflict between poverty and philanthropy. The play follows the story of Major Barbara, a member of the Salvation Army, who tries to convert her millionaire father to her cause. Shaw uses witty dialogue and paradox to challenge the audience's ideas about altruism and the role of the individual in society. Overall, Pygmalion and Major Barbara are powerful examples of Shaw's writing style, which combines social criticism, witty banter, and subtle humor. The plays raise important questions about class, gender, and social responsibility. They are must-reads for anyone interested in classic literature and the intersection of art and social commentary.