Pygmalion Allusion

Allegory is when a writer extends symbolism to every part of a story to communicate a secondary meaning that parallels the literal meaning. A common example of allegory is “The Tortoise and the Hare.” On its surface, this is a story about a tortoise that, unexpectedly, beats a hare in a footrace, but the underlying message is that those who devote their attention to cultivating a skill surpass those who are born with natural talents. Allegory has been used for a variety purposes, but among the most common is pointing out and critiquing the flaws of society. Any metaphor that is extended throughout an entire story to communicate a meaning that is separate from the literal is allegory.

“I cuddle up close to keep him warm and read the adventures of motel by Sholem Aleichem.” (page 81) This is an example of an allusion because the quote was alluding to the book, “Adventures of Motel”. The book was about a jewish family going through struggles like the book, “The Cage” and that's why the author chose that book. Second allusion I found was the quote, “Will we, too, have a Moses to lead us to freedom, as our forefathers did?” (page 109-110) This quote was alluding to there religion where Moses lead his people to safety and she needs someone to lead her people (the jewish people) to safety.

Allusion can be described as “a literary device that indirectly refers to a past literary work, historical circumstance, or other cultural or geographic reference point…[to] help readers make connections between concepts in a body of work...authors assume that their readers have enough knowledge of a specific allusion to make the intended connection”(Lundin, 1). His first reference is to “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift; Baron uses this to allow his readers to understand that his proposal will be satirical.  Baron alludes to the Garden of Eden twice throughout his proposal; both times are to make the parallel between temptations in the Bible and the temptations of Americans. Historical figures that Baron mentioned throughout his work were Roger Sherman, Ross Perot, and William F. Buckley Jr. whom are all political figures that allow Baron’s audience of legislatures to further understand the context of his proposal. Events in history added by the author include Hastings, World War I and II, the American Revolution, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Prohibition. Each of the events he references add context of time period and conflicts that may or already have arisen from the problems that Baron is addressing. In order for his audience to understand the circumstances concerning his proposal, Baron used allusion

An allusion is a expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.Allusions to saints,miracles and religion in the novel Fifth Business by Robertson Davis is imperative in the character development of Dunstable Ramsay. Robertson Davies allusions to Saint Dunstan ,Dunstan's life long quest to prove that Mary Dempster is a saint and religious allusions are a very important component in the novel.

Aphrodite represents erotic love as a fascinating form of divine influence. The nude Aphrodite has powerful meaning and

Allusions are very prevalent in this narrative, ranging from biblical to even shakespearean in nature. These allusion such as in chapter 10 while talking of slaves fleeing their masters that most would

The first Homeric Hymn of Aphrodite tells the story of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, desire, and beauty. She is the daughter of Zeus and highly regarded among both immortals and mortal men. The story recounts the power that Aphrodite possesses as well as the limitations of her power. One limitation this hymn primarily focuses on is a situation in which Aphrodite is humiliated. This myth utilizes strategies such as story structure and word choice in order to describe how Aphrodite is humiliated.

Studies concerning the lives of women in classical Athens have sparked much controversy because, despite the apparent fascination with femininity manifested in art and drama, we have no evidence voicing the opinions of the actual women themselves. This presents a

George Bernard Shaw and John Edwards seem to share some quite similar beliefs regarding language and identity. More specifically, how language alters one’s identity. Edwards uses discussions involving class, gender, and dialect; while Shaw uses his character, Eliza Doolittle to discuss these connections between language and identity. Both authors debunk the stereotypical perception about language and groups, just in two separate ways. Edwards explains it over several chapters of his text “Language and Identity”, whereas Shaw demonstrates it through one person.

As proclaimed by Shmoop editors, “When authors refer to other great works, people, and events. It’s usually not accidental” (Shmoop Editorial Team). In the story Brave New World by Aldous Huxley there is a profuse amount of allusions throughout the entirety of the novel. There are three main forms of allusion that is superior to the rest. Huxley uses literary, Native American, and religious allusions throughout the whole of the novel. These three forms of allusion help tie the story together by bringing into view how different the two societies are within the story.

An allusion is a reference to another piece of art work, literature or some other object without directly mentioning what that object

Allusions can be found in nearly every work of literature and art due to the influence they have in creating a universal understanding. Biblical and mythological references are the most common allusions because they are regarded as primary sources for the basis of human reason. William Shakespeare alludes to both religion and mythology in Hamlet in order to emphasize the importance and failure of religion and to reveal the nature and psychological complexes of characters.

Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw, describes Shaw’s viewpoint on social class distinctions in the 1900s by describing characters of the upper, middle, and lower classes in the play. Through the characters’ descriptions, language, and actions, the distinction between classes becomes very prominent. Similarly, Galileo, by Bertolt Brecht, describes Brecht’s take on the social class structure during Galileo’s time and how the differences between classes affected Galileo’s opportunity to do scientific research. Both plays depict a society ruled by the upper-class and a lack of coherence among the upper, middle, and lower classes that leads to eventual conflict. In both Pygmalion and Galileo, the authors highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the different social classes in order to critique how the relationships between people from different classes affect their interactions with each other.

In the Victorian England period, how a person is viewed by society determines everything. What kind of jobs are available, who it is ok to marry, and even who is acceptable to interact with. How a person is viewed can change their life for better or for worse, and sadly women during this period must work twice as hard as their male counterparts to get the crucial social respect needed to succeed in their societies. How a person appears and how they dress plays a big part on how someone is viewed, but flower-girl-turned-duchess Eliza Doolittle must learn the hard way that just because a person fits the outside criteria of a lady does not exactly mean she would be treated as so, by society and most of all her mentor Henry Higgins. Throughout the play, Pygmalion, By George Bernard Shaw, the author makes the theme of prejudice against women very apparent by the way they are treated in society and the unreasonable expectations they are held up to, making it very difficult for women like Eliza Doolittle to move up in society and be seen as equal in the eyes of those above them.

Social standing is central to the plot of George Bernard Shaw’s play “Pygmalion”. The portrayal of class identity in Shaw’s play appears to be a criticism of the distinctions between high society and the poorer classes in Victorian England. Shaw’s aim was to portray how the upper-crust of Victorian society viewed the lower classes, as evidenced by Higgins’ treatment of Eliza upon her first visit to his laboratory; Higgins treats her as though she is too stupid to understand that he is insulting her. The assumption is that the wealthy view the lower classes as being somehow lesser. So what is it that Shaw is trying to impart upon the reader? Shaw appeared to show open disdain not just for the upper class of society but for society in general, and Pygmalion may be interpreted as an open criticism of class distinctions in Victorian England.