Mythology PD1
11/01/19
Aim: Why and how does Hercules' characterization make him one of the most memorable figures in Greek mythology?
Do Now:Write about a time when you did something wrong either purposely or inadvertently, but for which you were extremely sorry for afterwards.
We shared times when we felt remorse right after doing something wrong. This relates to Hercules because he was flawed in that his emotions often took over him, and he killed people in rage, but afterwards he felt sorrow and wished to pay for it with penance. Personally, I shared about a time I went to my aunt's house for a birthday. My aunt had bought me a beautiful Pikachu birthday cake and I told her I did not like it.
Did you apologize or make the situation right? We're you successful?
I changed my mind about the cake after tasting it, but the damage was already done. I think that I had made my aunt cry. Looking back I cannot believe I had actually said what I did.
Video
Write down raw emotions you experience as you watch the commercial.
Video Link
- Joy
- Love
- Anxiety
- Longing
- Betrayal
- Happiness
At first, the video was lighthearted as it showed a puppy growing and playing with a man. Then the man leaves the dog home alone as he goes drinking. The dog waits for the man but he does not come back. This commercial points out that those that drink and drive may leave their dogs waiting for the rest of their lives. However, the man returns and it is revealed he stayed a night as to not drive and drive. The dog and man rejoice.
Why do Americans like guy and dog videos so much?
The commercial employs the use of pathos, emotional appeal, to achieve its message. Americans value their pets, and they are familiar with the anxiety pets experience when their owners leave them for even a short period of time.
Psychology and Philosophy of Interesting Characters
Humans enjoy finding vulnerability in the seemingly perfect. We know that perfection does not exist, and mistakes happen often. So we expect wrong, yet respect those that wish to make things right. Hercules embodies this as a powerful demigod. His strength is unmatched, and he cannot be defeated. Despite this, he is often overcome with rage and he regrets his actions during those fits of rage. What's appealing is his willingness to atone. He endures suffering during penance and is unwilling to be unpunished for any actions.
Article
"Why Myths Still matter: Hercules and His Twelve Healing Labors"
Ultimately Hercules was able to channel his rage, the very thing that lead him to his misdeeds, in order to do good. He penanced to right his wrongs, and was successful in completing his twelve tasks because he redirected his anger. To Hercules, the only way to quench his guilt was to offset them with his own suffering.
Reflection
Hercules' tale teaches that flaws exist in all people. His greatness could not excuse his wrongs. So, we will all make mistakes and do things we wish we hadn't, but as long as we realize our faults, and as long as we strive to make things right then we can be forgiven. Thus there is much to learn from every misstep, and the only way we can hope to become better is to correct our mistakes. To bask in misery and failure does no good; had Hercules killed himself after realizing what he'd done to his wife and children, he would never have achieved his status as a hero. Hercules' story does demonstrate the range of human emotion, he goes from a mad fit of anger to surrendering himself to guilt. Such extremes portray the capabilities of humans, they can do great or terrible things, and often times they cannot seem to pick one side over the other.
No comments:
Post a Comment