Pygmalion Poetry Deconstruction

Poetry deconstructionism The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue (1713 transmutation) The poem The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue was origin anyy written in Hellenic by Ovid, and is found in Book Ten of his work, Metamorphoses. It was translated into English in 1713, and this translation employs techniques to appeal to the readers of the day, and reveals their views on a variety of topics, including compulsion and narcissism. Pygmalion, a sculptor, shunned all women for their frivolity, instead turning to his artistry.He created a sculpture off of ivory of a wo serviceman so perfect that he grew to sleep together her, and wished for his ivory virgin to be real. The goddess granted his secret desire, and blessed the jibe with a son. The readership of the poem would have consisted predominately of eighteenth century upper assort males, so the poem is, in many parts, structured to interest this congregation of individuals. The eighteenth century homo would have identified wit h the line surface pleasd to want a consort of his bed, as a mistress was the only thing that was not provided instantly for them.Pygmalion, a man who is able to function without this, would have been held in high esteem by the reader, and perhaps would have inspired them to follow his example in organism independent. The line, Yet fea call up idleness, the nurse of ill, shows the society of the magazines mental attitude towards inactivity, in that it is, or leads to, a sickness. This metaphor relates to the saying, idle hands be the devils playthings, which would have been the view of the community at the time of the translation.Another quote that shows the opinion of the people of the eighteenth century is the prisoner of warrful bribes of love, indicating that love could be bought. In 1713, this would not have been an oxymoron, as many married someone to gain their wealth, making this statement ring true to the eighteenth century reader. The poet also refers to the have of Py gmalion and the statues child, as a way that they crown their bliss. This metaphor signifies a precise happy ending, especially to the gentleman reader, as procreation was a very(prenominal) important issue an heir was necessary.Note also that the child is male. This engineers a perfect close to the story of Pygmalion. Crown could also be a symbol of the patriarchal values present, as it was rare for a cleaning lady to rule (wear the crown). A question to pose it what the eighteenth century gentleman thought of Pygmalions obsessive temper and narcissism. The fact that he Abhorrd all womankind makes it appear as if he thinks he is above women, as he has lumped them all into the same, generalised bracket, including those who do not follow the heartstyle choices he disapproves of.The alliteration used in loathing their lascivious life emphasises Pygmalions misogyny, and therefore his very high opinion of himself. His narcissistic personality is further explored through the use pe rsonification Nature could not with his art compare. Here, he is praising his own amazing skill for creating something bettor than Nature, or God, could make. The line Pleasd with his idol, reminds on of Genesis, where God is fortunate with himself after he creates the world. Pygmalion is comparing himself to God, revealing his large ego.The poet delves into his obsessive nature with the caesura in the line, he commends, admires, Adores forcing the readers to pause and examine the depth of Pygmalions obsession towards the statue of his creation, and by extension, himself. This is emphasised again in the repetition in the lines And all the sparkling stones and odrous green. The word and is repeated five multiplication in these four lines, highlighting the excessiveness of his gift giving and his all over the top behaviour.Due to the positive finish, where Pygmalions bliss is crowned with the birth of a son, and the lack of consequences for his terribly high opinion of himself, on e index conclude that over-extravagant pride was considered commonplace in the eighteenth century, and obsessiveness was not considered unhealthy, perhaps because it served to combat idleness. The various ideas in the poem support this. The translation of The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue effectively utilises techniques and devices in order to appeal to its readership, the upper row gentleman of 1713 and onward. 715 words