Satire
Satire is used in literary works to criticize certain organizations, societies, and human flaws. While satire is often humorous, its purpose is to make the reader contemplate the true nature of a particular subject. This can be accomplished though sarcasm, symbols, and ironic circumstances.
Mr. Doolittle: "It's making a gentleman of me that I object to...I have to live for others and not for myself: that middle class morality" (Shaw 112, Act V).
Here, Shaw satirizes society through Mr. Doolittle's dialogue. Alfred was a poor man who did not have to worry about what coat to wear or how to speak properly. He was free to do as he pleased. However, now that he earns a considerable amount of money from Ezra D. Wannafeller's cheese trust, he is expected to dress and speak a certain way. Relatives that never talked to Mr. Doolittle are now begging him for money. He has to worry about what others think of him, and his freedom is taken away because of societal standards. Shaw uses this to mock society and show how society forces someone to change completely.
Here, Shaw satirizes society through Mr. Doolittle's dialogue. Alfred was a poor man who did not have to worry about what coat to wear or how to speak properly. He was free to do as he pleased. However, now that he earns a considerable amount of money from Ezra D. Wannafeller's cheese trust, he is expected to dress and speak a certain way. Relatives that never talked to Mr. Doolittle are now begging him for money. He has to worry about what others think of him, and his freedom is taken away because of societal standards. Shaw uses this to mock society and show how society forces someone to change completely.