Eliza Doolittle’s Transformation in Pygmalion and the Journey of Modern Influencers (A Comparative Analysis)

This paper explores the intricate parallels between Eliza Doolittle’s transformation in George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and the performative self-reinvention undertaken by modern social media influencers. By drawing upon theories of identity performance articulated by Erving Goffman and Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital, this study examines how both Eliza and influencers navigate external validation, mentorship, and the commodification of selfhood. The influence of social hierarchies and power structures is explored, particularly how both Higgins and digital platforms function as gatekeepers, determining who achieves social elevation and at what cost. Through a comparative analysis, this paper highlights the tension between self-empowerment and systemic constraints, questioning whether true autonomy is possible within a structure that commodifies personal identity. This study argues that both narratives reflect the paradox of self-reinvention: while transformation can provide opportunities for social mobility, it is ultimately dictated by external forces that shape both success and self-worth. By positioning Pygmalion as a timeless reflection on the complexities of identity in an era of digital self-branding, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions in media studies and literary analysis. It examines how individuals who seek reinvention must continually perform versions of themselves that conform to marketable standards, often at the cost of authenticity. As identity increasingly becomes a commodity in the digital age, the study underscores the ongoing struggle between personal agency and external control in shaping social mobility.