Coincidence?

[Isabelle]

This is just a random thought that popped into my head as I was watching My Fair Lady the other day.

From what we shippers make of Albus and Minerva's relationship when she was a student, does anyone see similarities between Eliza and Professor Higgins as well?

I really got to thinking about that when I was listening to the original Broadway soundtrack as well when Rex is singing "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face."

Just a thought. What does everyone else think? By all means, if I'm crazy for thinking it, tell me. I hear it from my friends and family all the time so it won't come as a shock. I was just curious as to what everyone else thought.

Liz

[mugglemin]

I don't really see much connection between the two pairs, but the "I've grown acustomed to her face" song was turned into a fabulous fanfic on ff.net. It's by soft lite and is very apt, I think.

[SG]

Yes, I've noticed a connection.

My Fair Lady is based on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmallion (which does not have a happy ending). I've often felt that there's a very Pygmallion aspect to 'fics where Albus gets involved with student Minerva, because he's effectively shaping the personality of his ideal lover.

See, we're literary we are!

[max]

Isabelle said:

TFrom what we shippers make of Albus and Minerva's relationship when she was a student, does anyone see similarities between Eliza and Professor Higgins as well?

Absolutely not. "Pygmalion" (that's the play from G. B. Shaw which is behind the musical "My Fair Lady") is an absolute favourite of mine, but I can't see any similarities. First: Eliza is a poor, un-educated flower woman who comes as an adult to Professor Higgins for getting language lessons. Minerva is certainly not un-educated, but a Hogwarts student (by the way: I don't see a relationship between Dumbledore and her in this time. But that's another subject).
Second: Albus Dumbledore as we got to know him in JKR's books is a character so different from G.B. Shaw's Henry Higgins as the day is from the night. Dumbledore is a very kind man who treats other people with respect and politeness while Henry Higgins mostly acts like a brat (and now I remember once again Peter O'Toole as Higgins, throwing a tantrum in his mother's dressingroom. He behaved like a three year old and was so cute I didn't know if I'd like to slap or to hug him). He doesn't treat his other human beings with politeness - especially Eliza is mostly treated lousy by him ("Wrap her up in brown paper!" is his advise to his housekeeper as she asks him what to do with the girl after burning her clothes as Higgins had demanded). And Higgins is a teacher in the Snape line while I can't imagine Dumbledore being mean to a pupil.

So, no - absolutely no coincidences.

[Taylor]

Well, we don't know what minerva was like when she came to Hogswarts, and it may be that she was a bit wild, (well there is a plot bunny for you!) Albus could have been an influance on her, and made her the proper lady that she is.

However, Higgens was a brute. If I had him as a teacher, I would have slapped him silly. Back then though, the movies were full of very abusive men and the women were very meak- (a far cry from a movie like "kill bill" ) Though in my fair lady they do fall in love I don't see the connection between Albus and Minerva, he would never treat her that badly,

Taylor

[DumbledoresKitten]

okay some similarities yes, but in other ways really really not.

I agree with Taylor that Higgins is an absolute brat and that is not Albus at all. Higgins doesn't really like anyone, and we only really see some humanity in him when he falls in love with Eliza and can't seem to live with out her.

I think what your referring to, especially with the fics were Min's a student, is the influence that Albus has over her. He is molding and educating her and in a way he is creating the love of his life. It's the Pygmallion "falling in love with your creation" and yes this aspect of it is very much like "my Fair Lady". Well that's my thoughts on it anyway
Cat