Please write a paragraph of close analysis of the attached extract. You will notice that the extract is from our discussion in class today. I want you to get really close in your analysis ie discuss how Shaw has positioned you as a reader, how he conveyed meaning to you, what the meaning was and why he wanted you to get this meaning. How does this meaning add to your understanding of Shaw’s views or what he values? Throughout his play Pygmalion, Bernard Shaw strongly suggests that although an individual’s physical transformation has taken place, their identity will remain the same.
As depicted in the third act, Eliza’s drastic change is elaborated by as Shaw describes her ‘exquisitely dressed’ and as a women who ‘produces an impression of such remarkable distinction and beauty ‘, in contrast to her ‘very dirty’ state and not at all romantic figure’ in the beginning of the play. However, although Shaw portrays Eliza’s physical change; the purpose of her transformation was to enable her ability to speak with ‘ pedantic correctness of pronunciation and great beauty of tone and Eliza’s first opportunity to introduce her new guise in front of higher class personnel, proves that as long as you can articulate yourself appropriately, you will be accepted into the environment. Shaw’s new presentation of Eliza positions the readers to consider if her new ‘personality’ is truly capable of holding her self up in front of contrasting people, Shaw offers multiple and descriptive character directions as an effective technique to add depth and allows people to understand how the characters are truly reacting to the incredibly awkward situation. Directions such as ‘impulsively’, ‘suddenly’, ‘lamentably’, ‘startled’ and descriptions such as ‘a long painful pause ensues’ truthfully reveal the nature of the situation, as incredibly unnatural. Although Liza’s attempts to depict her ability to hold her own by her extensive politeness by constantly repeating ‘How do you do?’ The true nature of Eliza’s character falls through as the events she experienced throughout her life make way into the conversation, such as her brief description of her aunts ‘influenza’ and the alcoholic