A phonetics professor wagers he can transform a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady through the rigorous application of linguistic training. Henry Higgins, a man of immense intellect but limited social grace, treats Eliza Doolittle as a mere experiment in his pursuit of proving that speech defines social standing. Eliza, initially a subject of his arrogance, finds herself caught between the world she left behind and the elite society she is being forced to inhabit. The narrative unfolds through sharp, witty dialogue that exposes the rigid class structures of Edwardian England and the inherent dehumanization found in treating people as projects.

This play remains a cornerstone of modern drama, frequently analyzed for its biting wit and its subversion of the traditional romantic myth. Readers and critics often note how the work challenges the audience to consider whether the transformation of Eliza is a triumph of education or a tragedy of identity loss. The dialogue is widely cited for its rhythmic precision and its ability to convey complex social hierarchies through simple speech patterns. It continues to serve as a primary text for discussions regarding gender roles and the performative nature of social status in the early twentieth century.