My Fair Lady

Main Plot

My Fair Lady follows the story of Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl in London who dreams of improving her social status. Her life takes a turn when she encounters Professor Henry Higgins, a linguistics expert who bets that he can transform her into a refined lady simply by teaching her how to speak properly. As Higgins undertakes the challenge, he immerses Eliza in lessons on speech, manners, and etiquette, while she grapples with her identity and aspirations. The transformation is not just about language; it also highlights the class distinctions of the time. Throughout the process, Eliza's determination and spirit challenge Higgins' views on class and gender, leading to a complex relationship between the two. The story explores themes of identity, social mobility, and the power of language, culminating in a journey of self-discovery for Eliza.

Characters

• Audrey Hepburn played Eliza Doolittle, a flower seller transformed into a refined lady through speech lessons from phonetics professor Henry Higgins.
• Rex Harrison plays Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert who transforms Eliza Doolittle from a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady.
• Stanley Holloway plays Alfred P. Doolittle, Eliza's father, who exploits his daughter's transformation for financial gain and social elevation.

Ending Explained

In the ending of My Fair Lady, Eliza Doolittle confronts Professor Henry Higgins after successfully passing off as a refined lady at the ambassador's ball. The climax occurs when Eliza realizes that despite her transformation, Higgins remains emotionally detached and dismissive of her feelings. After the ball, she asserts her independence and challenges Higgins, expressing her frustration over his lack of appreciation for her as a person rather than just a project. Eliza's decision to leave signifies her growth and newfound self-worth. She understands that her identity is not solely defined by Higgins or her social status but by her own choices. The resolution of the main conflict lies in Eliza's assertion of autonomy, as she refuses to be treated as an object of Higgins' experiment. In the final moments, Higgins is left alone, reflecting on Eliza's departure and the void it creates in his life. The film concludes ambiguously with Eliza returning to Higgins, suggesting a complex relationship where both characters have evolved. The ending encapsulates the themes of transformation, identity, and the struggle for respect in relationships, leaving the audience to ponder the nature of love and companionship.