The relationship between men and women, and how they interact, is often the basis of many novels and plays. Struggle and conflict between them is very evident, yet the meaning and reason for the conflict are sometimes deeper than what is on the outside.

In Pygmalion, Henry Higgins picks up Eliza Doolittle to teach her phonetics and thereby `make her into a lady.' This shows what his idea of a real lady must be. Because of his close relationship with his mother, the ladies he meets are always compared to her in his mind. Mrs. Higgins is well-educated, well-spoken woman who keeps a perfect household. She therefore sets a standard for her son that few women can compete with. Henry doesn't look at women the same way all men do, but treats them all with the same indifference. When Eliza accuses him of treating her like a...