Critically comment on the following passages with reference to the context, in not more than 150 words each:
"The great secret, Eliza, is not having bad manners or good manners or any other particular sort of manners, but having the same manner for all human souls: in short, behaving as if were in Heaven, where there are no third-class carriages, and one soul is as good as another."
Answer - This passage is from George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, spoken by the character Henry Higgins to Eliza Doolittle. In this moment, Higgins imparts his philosophy on social behavior and the true nature of manners. He suggests that good manners are not about conforming to specific social etiquettes or distinctions, but rather about treating all individuals with equal respect and dignity. By referencing "Heaven," Higgins implies an ideal world where social class distinctions do not exist, and every soul is valued equally.
This statement is significant in the context of the play, as it challenges the rigid class structures of the time. Eliza, a poor flower girl, undergoes a transformation under Higgins's tutelage, learning to speak and behave like a lady of high society. However, Higgins's comment reveals his belief that true gentility comes from within and is not merely a matter of outward appearance or social standing. This idea resonates with the play's broader themes of identity, transformation, and the arbitrary nature of class distinctions. By advocating for universal respect and equality, Higgins's words underscore the play's critique of superficial judgments and societal hierarchies.
