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Name: ________________________________ Date:_________________

Pre-Reading
Characterization

Objective: Predicting character traits and actions

Activity

People say a picture is worth a thousand words. Indeed, we treasure photographs we have of our family,
friends, and loved ones—they commemorate fun times and meaningful experiences. Looking back on old
photos not only brings back memories of events, but also brings back emotions about the people we call
special.

On the cover of Pygmalion is a painting of a woman. Study the painting for a few minutes. Take in the
visual details—the way the woman looks, how she is dressed, the background, and her facial expression.
In the chart on the next page, list traits you believe you can attribute to this woman, based on the
painting. Then, try to compare the woman to someone you know.

CHARACTERIZATION CHART

Traits I See Based on the Painting

the flowers : Flowers tend to symbolize innocence, beauty and youth in literature. Seeing the woman holding
them makes me theorize that she is the epitome of it in the story. the woman might be dangerously beautiful
as her Greek myth counterpart- hence the flowers in the background and the bouquet in her hands.

The woman’s face: She looks like she’s hopeful. She is looking away, but her gaze is somber and nostalgic.
Like she's looking back at something that was nicer or better than what she has now.

Her skin : The skin color is really white, it is as fair as snow. Maybe to insinuate that she is from a higher class of
people, like being cleaner for example. Or maybe that she is born anew as white is associated for rebirth and
now she is the fairest lady.

the background : the background is painted with a pale yellow color , yellow usually is used to portray
happiness, joy and smartness. But in this painting, it shows it in a bleaker shade that makes it almost
untrue

the cloak : The cloak stands out quite a lot in the painting. it has a contrasting color to the dress she is
wearing. Maybe suggesting that she's hiding her true self.

the women in renaissance paintings

This woman reminds me of _________________.

S-7 Reproducible Student Worksheet