Question

Note: George Bernard Shaw wrote the play Pygmalion in 1912, using portions of Ovid's Metamorphoses Book X as source material. Which best analyzes how Shaw draws upon the work of the Roman poet, Ovid? Consider only the excerpts.

(a) Like Ovid's main character, Shaw's main character portrays a level of disdain for women.
(b) Shaw depicts Higgins as a sensitive character, similar to the character Pygmalion.
(c) Shaw mimics Ovid's style of anecdotal narratives and use of irony.
(d) Shaw imitates Ovid's style of excessive descriptive imagery.

Answer 1

Shaw's play 'Pygmalion' uses Ovid's thematic concepts to analyze societal and gender transformations, but most closely mimics Ovid's style through the use of anecdotal narratives and irony.

Step-by-step explanation:

George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion draws upon Ovid's Metamorphoses as source material, and the most accurate analysis of Shaw's utilization of Ovid's work relates to the thematic and character framework. Shaw uses Ovid's themes to explore ideas of transformation and identity, particularly concerning gender and societal roles. While options (a), (b), and (d) offer potential parallels, they do not capture the essence of Shaw's adaptation of Ovid.

Upon examining the information provided and the thematic content of both works, option (c) Shaw mimics Ovid's style of anecdotal narratives and use of irony is the best analysis of how Shaw draws upon Ovid's work. Shaw doesn't portray Higgins with the same sensitive nature as depicted by Ovid's Pygmalion but uses a similar structural approach to critique social norms, much like Ovid gave voice to issues of gender and identity through his characters. Furthermore, Shaw's sharp wit and societal critique align closely with Ovid's ironic style.