1/30/20 Justin Lew Pd 2

1/30/2020

Justin Lew

Modern Mythology 2020

Aim: How is honor, earned through loyalty, emphasized in funerary rituals and tradition?

Do Now: Describe the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC (even if you’ve never been there, you’ve probably seen pictures.) Explain the purpose and the effect.

 The class discussed that the Lincoln memorial honors President Lincoln and his achievements. Furthermore, the size and grandeur of the memorial represents the magnitudes of Lincoln’s contributions. It was also discussed that the structure inspires onlookers to become leaders and creates a sense of patriotism towards the nation. The architecture of the memorial adds on as it ultimately centers towards the Lincoln statue. Furthermore, the positioning of the Lincoln statue appears to be sitting down and looking down on tourists, which, Henry points out, may lead to a negative connotation of being a symbol for tyranny as a ruler but is ultimately a representation of Lincoln as a guardian.

The class was asked, what is scarier than death?

The answer was to be forgotten after death. It is likely that most, if not everyone, desires to cement him/herself in history. In other words, we all want to create and leave behind a legacy.

To Have Succeeded - Bessie Anderson Stanley

“To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.”

Question: How do people attempt to transcend time? Is Beowulf’s quest for fame arrogance or is it a relatable human emotion?

In class, Benjamin Evelson points out that how people follow others by example regardless of morals. This includes committing crimes that are well known or doing something that led to great controversy. As a result, people become remembered due to their infamy. However, in current times, media tries to focus more on the positive aspects of major events rather than the negatives. Examples include the censoring of criminals or greater coverage of positive reactions by communities.

Following the class discussion, Mrs. Fusaro reminds us of the harsh reality that it is unrealistic that any of us will “change the world.” However, we can change ourselves (if necessary) and help others. No matter the scale, we have an impact and leave a mark regardless of whether we believe it or not.

“And death/Would be better for them all, and for you, than the kind/ Of life you can lead, branded with disgrace!”... - Wiglaf

Beowulf is deserted by his companions, except one - Wiglaf. Based on what we read, the conclusion of Beowulf is considered a Tragedy. As Beowulf lies on the ground, Wiglaf gives drips water on Beowulf. As discussed in class, we analyzed that Wiglaf is giving Beowulf a baptism, thus purifying him. Unlike the other companions that Beowulf shelters and protects for years, Wiglaf is a true kin to Beowulf as Wiglaf stays by his side, carrying the legacy of Beowulf to be remembered throughout history (including a memorial in Beowulf’s honor).

Text analyzation: There is an aspect of Paganism which is portrayed in the final battle between the dragon and Beowulf. The dragon is a representation of the devil and its death symbolises the cleansing or removal of a religion from the land. As Beowulf’s death nears, he is conflicted between leaving an honorable legacy and dying from his greed. On the other hand, the dragon that Beowulf fights, like most other European dragons, is filled with greed and dies alone as it focuses on materialistic wealth over building relationships with others, leading to its death in isolation (in the sense that it died alone [in the sense that it had no companions]). In the end, Beowulf and the dragon are the ultimate destroyers of one another.

Reflection:

As a student, this lesson helps me understand the strong connection between myths and reality. Just as many myths reflect the fundamental nature of humans, Beowulf portrays an important, yet misunderstood human emotion that existed and continues to exist in humanity - the desire to leave a mark in history to ensure our existence.

Unlike other mythologies studied in class, the story of Beowulf is unique in its integration of 2 notable and opposing religions. As a result, the analyzation of Beowulf helps us understand how the influence of one religion on another can help us understand the interaction of different mythologies can affect how history is portrayed.

NOTE: This section was not part of my class’ discussions but I felt that I had to add it.

Song: Glorious - Macklemore featuring Skylar Grey

Lines 12 - 15:

“I heard you die twice, once when they bury you in the grave

And the second time is the last time that somebody mentions your name

So when I leave here on this earth, did I take more than I gave?

Did I look out for the people or did I do it all for fame?”