Final answer:
Pygmalion is a mythological figure, a sculptor who fell in love with his creation, and experienced immense joy when it was brought to life by the goddess Aphrodite.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pygmalion is a character from Greek mythology who was a king and a sculptor. He created a statue of a woman so beautiful that he fell in love with it. Moved by his love for his creation, the goddess Aphrodite granted life to the statue, which Pygmalion then married. The reference to Pygmalion's joy at his creation coming to life in the student's quoted text serves as a metaphor, comparing the ecstasy Pygmalion felt to the triumphant feelings the speaker anticipates upon achieving their goal.