At first glance and introduction, it appears that Mr. Doolittle is nothing more than a slovenly and rude navvyman. It only serves the plot as a physical representation of Eliza's origin. However, in both scenes he is in, he steals the show. His listless, contented nature belies a man with a sharp mind, keen ideals, and an even sharper tongue. Alfred Doolittle is a man who knows what makes him happy and doesn't like the responsibility he would take if he improved his quality of life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayOne of the most important parts of Mr. Doolittle's character are his words. His natural gift for rhetoric reveals the brilliant mind beneath his callous exterior. This is the audience's first clear glimpse of the true depth of Mr. Doolittle's character. One of the things Doolittle talks about most in his first appearance is his own contentment. An example appears in lines 255 to 259 of Act II, where he says: "Unworthy poverty is my line." Taking a position in society with another is... it's... well, it's the only one that has ginger in it, for my taste. Before and after his “transformation”, he says he is satisfied with his current position. All he wants is a few simple, earthly pleasures from time to time. He speaks of his own disgust at the codependency and responsibility that comes with being middle class, "middle class morality." His complaints are most easily summarized in lines 67 and 68 of Act V when he sighs and says, "I'm supposed to provide for everyone now, out of three thousand a year." » His words are his greatest strength in this room, and he only wants to use them for the bare minimum of his desires. They highlight his lack of motivation. While Mr. Doolittle's words reveal to the reader his strengths and values, his actions reveal his relationship to morality. The first thing he does in the play is use Eliza's position with Henry to ask for money. This insight into Doolittle's morality gives the audience a basis of comparison for its further development. He views morality as a privilege afforded only to the upper classes. Later, when he becomes rich, he views his own responsibility to his family as a terrible curse that he must bear. Another of his defining actions is his rejection of any offer he thinks is above him. On two occasions, Higgins offered him something beyond his initial request: "a seat in the Cabinet" and ten pounds. Both times, Doolittle refuses, saying that all he wants to do is do a little crazy thing and then continue his normal life. Due to the sarcasm and manipulation underlying Doolittle's words, it is difficult to judge his motives. However, it could be argued that Doolittle's sense of self-worth is, in itself, a form of morality. It is clear that his sense of morality is directly linked to his financial situation. When he becomes rich, he immediately becomes a “victim” of the same sensitivities he claimed when he was poor. He has few beliefs that are not likely to change with the slightest change in his financial situation. The characters' reactions to Mr. Doolittle provide, in some ways, clearer pictures of his character than his own words. Eliza's bitter anger and repulsion toward him imply a long history of cruelty and neglect on his part. This is further confirmed by Doolittle's encouragement that Higgins should beat Eliza. It's Higgins' curiosity.