Pygmalion, Translations

The last few units of my English course taught me that there is power in relationships.  You can gain power anywhere from language to names to education.  In Pygmalion, I learned how the way you speak can give you power, no matter who you are or where you're from.  "You see this creature with her kerbstone English: the English that will keep her in the gutter to the end of her days. Well, sir, in three months I could pass that girl off as a duchess at an ambassador's garden party. I could even get her a place as lady's maid or shop assistant, which requires better English." (Shaw 1.129).  I have learned from the transformation of Eliza how important it is to speak a proper language.  This showed me that literature can be didactic, or teaching a lesson.

Another novel that taught me about power in relationships was Translations.  I never knew how important the language you speak can determine your power.  It makes sense though.  If you look in the real world, many Americans do not like illegal immigrants coming into our country.  They automatically associate those who speak Spanish primarily as lower class and menial.  If you do not speak English, you are not welcome, meaning little to no power.  This is the same idea that is conveyed in this novel.  I learned through the themes of this story that language, education, and national identity affect one's power.

"Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides." - Rita Mae Brown