Pygmalion
Analyze Shaw’s play through the frame of the romance. Analyze how arete, hubris, and sophrosune apply to Higgins. Then think about whether he has actually learned anything in the ending. Is he a better man in the end because of Eliza? Is this a failed (or an anti-)romance? Which ending of the play fits best with the romance genre? Or perhaps you can argue it as a truly modern romance with the heroine at the center who is educated by the hero and then drops him in the end because she no longer needs him?
Prewriting:
Brainstorm ideas in response to the prompt. Is this an anti-romance? What is Shaw’s social commentary through this genre? Think of examples of Higgins’ arete, hubris, and sophrosune (that he learns or fails to learn). Then think about the very ending and why Shaw leaves it ambiguous. Look at the sample outline to help you organize your thoughts.