The Scene:
Imagine a crowded, boisterous social event at Mrs. Higgins' home. Clara, a young flower girl, is accidentally thrust into this unfamiliar world, likely through a misunderstanding or a simple mishap.
Clara's Attempt:
Clara, used to the rough-and-tumble language of the streets, desperately tries to speak "proper" in this elegant setting. She might:
* Mimic: Copy phrases and pronunciation she overhears from those around her.
* Formalize: Use overly formal language, perhaps inappropriately. For example, she might say "I beg your pardon" instead of "Excuse me".
* Overcompensate: Use complex words or phrases she doesn't fully understand, leading to awkward and humorous results.
Freddy's Interpretation:
Freddy Eynsford-Hill, a young man from a middle-class background, is likely:
* Amused: He might find Clara's attempts endearing, even though they are obviously flawed.
* Naive: Freddy is more concerned with his own social image and may not even notice the deeper implications of Clara's struggle.
* Patronizing: He might try to "correct" Clara's language in a condescending way, further emphasizing the social divide between them.
The Eynsford-Hill Family's Interpretation:
The Eynsford-Hills, with their own shaky grasp on "proper" language and social etiquette, would likely:
* Dismissive: They might find Clara's attempts comical and a source of amusement, highlighting their own social superiority.
* Confused: They might not understand the full context of Clara's situation, leading to misunderstandings and awkward interactions.
* Uncomfortable: They might be subtly embarrassed by Clara's presence, as she disrupts the carefully constructed facade of their own social standing.
The Key Point:
The interaction highlights the class divide in Edwardian society and the importance of language in maintaining that divide. While Clara's attempts are sincere, they are ultimately unsuccessful because they are rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what constitutes "proper" language and social behavior. The Eynsford-Hills, for their part, are oblivious to the complexity of Clara's situation, highlighting their own shallowness and social blindness.