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Is Professor Henry Higgins from My Fair Lady Autistic?

April 25, 2025Literature4134
Is Professor Henry Higgins from My Fair Lady Autistic?In George Bernar

Is Professor Henry Higgins from 'My Fair Lady' Autistic?
In George Bernard Shaw's play, 'My Fair Lady,' Professor Henry Higgins is a complex and intriguing character. Does his behavior align with what we now understand about Autism, specifically Asperger’s? Analyzing his character through the lens of modern neurodiversity provides an insightful yet subjective perspective.

Character Analysis and Modern Lens

Higgins's behavior, particularly his interactions and emotional detachment, can be seen as indicative of a certain personality type rather than a clinical diagnosis. His interactions with Eliza Doolittle, for instance, are marked by a lack of empathy and an inability to form emotional connections.

Some might draw parallels between his traits and those associated with Asperger's, but such interpretations are subjective and not intended by the playwright. While one could analyze his character through the lens of modern understandings of neurodiversity, it is important to note that it is not a definitive or intentional analysis in the context of the original work.

Observations and Characteristics

In reality, diagnosing someone without formal training and a thorough personal assessment would be highly controversial. However, in the case of a fictional character like Henry Higgins, one can make informed observations based on his characteristics.

Henry Higgins is a very bright man with a consuming interest in linguistics. His observance of speech patterns is remarkable, and he can detect subtle differences in how someone speaks, even pinpointing within blocks in London. Despite his keen observation skills, he lacks social appropriateness and often speaks before thinking, belittling others in the process. Higgins also tends to objectify those around him, perceiving them solely as tools to fulfill his linguistic interests.

When it comes to Eliza Doolittle, Higgins views her primarily in terms of her performance at the ball rather than as a human being with her own desires and feelings. It takes him a considerable amount of time to recognize her as a person outside of her linguistic utility. These behaviors are consistent with the characteristics of someone with autism, particularly Asperger's, as described in modern understanding.

Historical Context and Literary Archetypes

Henry Higgins can be seen as part of a common literary archetype of the Eccentric Bachelor in Edwardian Britain. This archetype includes figures such as Henry Cavendish, who is identified as a likely Asperger's candidate in the book 'NeuroTribes.' Similarly, other notable characters like Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who exemplify this pattern.

While Asperger’s was unknown in the time of George Bernard Shaw, modern readers might draw parallels between Higgins and real-life figures who exhibit similar traits. However, it is crucial to remember that diagnosing a fictional character without a comprehensive understanding of the characters’ motivations and the historical context of the play adds an additional layer of complexity to any analysis.

Conclusion

Diagnosing a fictional character is a risky business as it is not definitive or intentional in the original work. But from a modern perspective, certain aspects of Professor Henry Higgins's character can be consistent with the traits of an Asperger's individual. This analysis, while subjective, provides an interesting lens through which to view the character and his behaviors.