Literary Analysis Research Paper based on Pygmalion.
Assignment:
1. Your Analysis/Ideas:
Use your ideas and notes from the Pygmalion assignment to formulate a strong thesis. With your notes and your
research, you will write a literary analysis paper. Remember that other students will be analyzing Pygmalion, so make
your thesis “unique,” if possible.
Topics:
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Socialist influence
Appearance vs. Reality
Misogyny
Female Strength
Greek Allusions
Scientific vs. Emotional
Satire
Irony
Power Language
Sample Title:
“Victorian Society’s Values Mirrored in Pygmalion”
Sample Source located from database from Wando Media Center:
Ashley, Katherine. "Gender in Pygmalion." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in
Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.
2. Research/Literary Criticism:
In addition to your ideas/analysis, you will use at least THREE scholarly sources of literary criticism. Please be
sure that you understand what an academic criticism is. Wando’s Media Specialists will give you a brief overview
before we research. Pygmalion will be an additional “primary source.” (You will have at least 4 sources.)
3. Key Dates:
1/22 & 1/23: Media Center Lab Time
First Source (annotated/marked) & First Article Notes (completed) are due.
2nd & 3rd Articles (annotated/marked) & 2nd & 3rd Article Notes (completed) are due.
Outline and Introduction Paragraph/Thesis are due.
Hard-copy Rough Draft is due for In-Class Peer Editing. (Submit to turnitin.com, too.)
2/27: Final Draft & Folder are due. (Submit to turnitin.com, too.)
Name ____________________________________
Date ___________
Period ____
Research Paper Checklist
Use this checklist so that you do not forget ANYTHING for your research project.
Layout and Mechanics:
____ I used MLA format from page 1 forward to set up a heading, appropriate margins, parenthetical
citation, block quotes (of 4 lines or more), and an error-free works cited.
____ I used Times New Roman, 12-point font printed on regular typing paper in black ink.
____ I numbered my pages with my name according to MLA form and included all of them stapled
together in order.
____ I used spell check AND proof-read my paper several times so that my paper is error-free
grammatically and mechanically.
____ I included parenthetical citations (MLA format) to give credit to direct quotes and
paraphrased/borrowed ideas.
Style and Content:
____ I used an appropriate attention grabber to introduce my subject in the first paragraph that clearly
links to my thesis.
____ I used a clearly formed thesis near the end of my first paragraph and supported it throughout my
paper with literary criticism and/or the primary source.
____ I used an appropriate organization pattern for my supporting paragraphs that is reflected in the
organization step of my thesis.
____ Each supporting paragraph includes some sort of textual evidence or critical analysis from a
recognized professional in the literary world.
____ I used direct quotes from the primary source/literary sources, but the majority of my support is
paraphrased material.
____ I used a variety of scholarly sources (at least 3) in addition to my primary text and gave credit to
these individuals through parenthetical citations.
____ My conclusion synthesizes the information presented and ends with a “clincher.”
____ I included a variety of sentence beginnings and structures. I avoided simple sentences unless
appropriate and used parallel structure when appropriate.
____ I used transitional devices throughout the paper to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs by
restating elements briefly and/or using transitional expressions.
____ I connected each detail paragraph back to the thesis statement to avoid a plot summary.
____ My word choice reflects an appropriately mature tone and vocabulary. I avoided informal
pronouns/language, clichés and slang.
____I used “mostly” active voice or active verbs and avoided passive voice, when possible.
____ Overall, my paper is between 5 and 7 pages in length, not including the works cited page and
represents the culmination of my best efforts.
____ In addition to handing in my folder, I submitted my paper to turnitin.com.
Folder:
____ I included my outline.
____ I included my rough draft/peer revision notes.
____ I included a copy of all articles/sources (at least 3) used in my paper. These are fully annotated and
marked to correlate with final draft.
____ I included all “Article Notes” (at least 4) fully documenting direct and paraphrased ideas.
____ I included my final draft.
____ I turned my folder in on or before 2/22.
Article Notes: (Typed/Handwritten)
(You must submit at least one per source (primary and literary) is required.
Your name
Mrs. Carico
AP LIT
MLA citation of source:
Original Text
(Article
page #)
(On the left, include the original passage
from the novel/play or literary criticism that
you would like to use for support in your
research paper.)
(You may use loose-leaf to complete the
journals by handwriting the entry, page #,
and date outside the red margin, and folding
the remainder of the paper in half, writing
your passage on the left side and your
response on the right.)
Paraphrased Ideas/Analysis/Notes
(On the right, paraphrase, analyze, and take notes on the
passage. The entry should directly relate to the passage you
have selected and how you can use the information in your
paper.)
This section consists of your notes.
This section consists of the
“original text.”
(Article
page #)
Original Text
Paraphrased Ideas/Analysis/Notes
(Article
page #)
Original Text
Paraphrased Ideas/Analysis/Notes
(Article
page #)
Original Text
Paraphrased Ideas/Analysis/Notes
Creative Presentation of Pygmalion Analysis and Research: Dates: 2/25-3/1
Think of a creative way to present the major concepts of your paper in an 8-10-minute presentation.
However, do not simply read your paper. (Key: Be creative. Educate us and entertain us.)
Sample Ideas:
* Dramatically read/act various lines from the original play that support your thesis. Start with your thesis and add
support in your dramatic reading. Dress the part of the character.
*Create a modern version/scene. Play the role of a character/characters and give a dramatic “modern” explanation
but include your thesis at the beginning. The scene will be your support. Dress the part.
*Put George Bernard Shaw or a character on “trial.” Give an attorney’s opening/closing statement and accuse
him/character of the crime (your topic). In this statement, your thesis and support will be evident. Dress the
part.
*State your thesis. Play the role of a literary critic and express your opinion/analysis of the play. Dress the part.
*Give a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation to highlight your thesis and support. (Creative-???)
Presentation Checklist:
_______ I reveal my thesis in the presentation.
_______ I include support from Pygmalion and support from literary critics—paraphrased or directly
quoted.
_______ I present my thesis/support/analysis/ideas in a “creative” or “unique” manner.
_______ I present my ideas in 8-10 minutes.
_______The presentation reveals that I have prepared/practiced/researched my topic.
_______My presentation “educates” and “entertains.”
1. Your Analysis/Ideas:
Pygmalion contains multiple messages beyond the superficial romantic “comedy.”
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To analyze the text, select one of the following prompts.
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1. Pygmalion contains evidence of Shaw’s socialist leanings, particularly in the
character of Henry Higgins and his attitude towards manners with reference to social equality.
(Mrs. Pearce/Mrs. Higgins/Col. Pickering also reveal “socialist attitudes.)
(FYI-Socialism in a brief definition is both an economic and a political theory, advocates public or
common ownership and management of both the means of production and the allocation of
resources, is organized on the basis of equal power-relations and self-management, and strives for a
reduction or elimination of hierarchical administration.)
2. The theme of appearance versus reality is predominant throughout the play and
encompasses numerous characters and situations. (Eliza/Mrs. Hill/Mr. Doolittle
are characters to examine for this theme.)
3. The theme of misogyny is predominant in Pygmalion with humorous undertones (as
opposed to tragic undertones in Shakespeare’s Hamlet).
4. Even though Mr. Higgins might appear to be a misogynist, some critics argue that this
play highlights the strength of women (early feminist messages or suggestions of the “new
woman”) in such characters as Eliza, Mrs. Pearce, and Mrs. Higgins.
5. The entirety of the play alludes to the myth of the Greek sculptor Pygmalion, who
creates the perfect sculpture out of ivory and prays to Aphrodite, the goddess of
love, to bring her to life. Aphrodite grants his wish. He names his creation
Galatea; they marry and love each other for eternity. Though the play is based on
this idea, it does diverge significantly in several respects.
6. Mr. Higgins reveals a scientific approach to “educating” the masses, and in fact, treats
individuals like specimens rather than humans. Explore this scientific versus emotional attitude
illustrated in Pygmalion.
7. Instead of being a “romantic comedy,” some would argue that Pygmalion is a subtle
satire mocking various aspects of the British society in the early 1900’s.
8. In terms of literary elements, Pygmalion can best be described as an ironic comedy.
Explore the various elements of irony in the play.
9. Pygmalion represents Shaw's attempt not simply to use words and language to
create art and raise questions, but to force individuals to examine the power and purpose of
language itself.