POST 4: Exploring Archetypes In Metamorphoses
When a symbol, Pattern, or model is used time and time again across various cultures and time periods. It can be defined as an Archetype. Metamorphoses is written by the Roman Poet Ovid, who tells a bunch of stories filled with archetypes and different characters.
Nevertheless, i also noticed an Archetype in Ovid's Book Two with the story about Phaeton, a young guy like any another you might encounter today.His claim to fame being? He's the son of the Sun god. Phaeton demands that the Sun god let him take his sun-chariot out for a spin. Despite Dad's protests, Phaeton gets his way. With the reins in his hands, things pretty much immediately go haywire and he incinerates the earth. This angers Zeus,and he zaps Phaeton with a thunderbolt and he falls into the River Po. This is an archetypal story about the relationships between fathers and sons. Note how the god of the sun talks to his son:‘No doubt, since you ask for a certain sign to give you confidence in being born of my blood, I give you that sure sign by fearing for you, and show myself a father by fatherly anxiety. Look at me. If only you could look into my heart, and see a father’s concern from within! Finally, look around you, at the riches the world holds, and ask for anything from all of the good things in earth, sea, and sky. I can refuse you nothing. Only this one thing I take exception to, which would truly be a punishment and not an honour. Phaethon, you ask for punishment as your reward! Why do you unknowingly throw your coaxing arms around my neck? Have no doubt! Whatever you ask will be given, I have sworn it by the Stygian streams, but make a wiser choice!’(738) He isn't exactly imperious or pompous, but he talks the way a father who is a very successful lawyer, Doctor or business man might talk to his wayward son as he tries to keep him from harming himself.
The first Archetype i noticed was The archetypes of unrequited love and maiden goddess which are present in the stories about 'Apollo and Daphne.'Apollo was in love with Daphne, daughter of the river god. Apollo fell deeply in love with Daphne, however she did not return his love. She did not return his love for one reason. ‘ Dearest father, let me be a virgin for ever! Diana’s father granted it to her.’ (734)She vowed to live an unmarried life like Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. She did not feel any love towards him.Both Archetypes can be seen in today's society, in our movies, books, lives etc. it has become a reoccurring theme. to love someone and they do not share or reciprocate those feelings. Or even men and women today who make the choice to not get married, to not have children or even to stay virgins. Take for instance some of the greatest movie hits, like The Great Gatsby, Forest Gump, The Notebook, even Romeo and Juliet which all revisit the topic of unrequited love. There are also books like Jane Austen's persuasion.
Nevertheless, i also noticed an Archetype in Ovid's Book Two with the story about Phaeton, a young guy like any another you might encounter today.His claim to fame being? He's the son of the Sun god. Phaeton demands that the Sun god let him take his sun-chariot out for a spin. Despite Dad's protests, Phaeton gets his way. With the reins in his hands, things pretty much immediately go haywire and he incinerates the earth. This angers Zeus,and he zaps Phaeton with a thunderbolt and he falls into the River Po. This is an archetypal story about the relationships between fathers and sons. Note how the god of the sun talks to his son:‘No doubt, since you ask for a certain sign to give you confidence in being born of my blood, I give you that sure sign by fearing for you, and show myself a father by fatherly anxiety. Look at me. If only you could look into my heart, and see a father’s concern from within! Finally, look around you, at the riches the world holds, and ask for anything from all of the good things in earth, sea, and sky. I can refuse you nothing. Only this one thing I take exception to, which would truly be a punishment and not an honour. Phaethon, you ask for punishment as your reward! Why do you unknowingly throw your coaxing arms around my neck? Have no doubt! Whatever you ask will be given, I have sworn it by the Stygian streams, but make a wiser choice!’(738) He isn't exactly imperious or pompous, but he talks the way a father who is a very successful lawyer, Doctor or business man might talk to his wayward son as he tries to keep him from harming himself.
Wonderful comment. Please number your posts: Post 1: Title ... Post 2: Title ... etc.
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