Sofya Ochirova, Period 1, 10/17/23

Sofya Ochirova
Period 1
10/17/2023
Modern Mythology 2024

Literacy & Learning

In cinematography, only the best films have the ability to transcend time and space, captivating audiences with their timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters. “Clash of the Titans” (1981) is one of those films. This film, inspired by Greek mythology, brings to our screens a world filled with gods, monsters, and heroes, igniting a passion for the power of storytelling in anyone.

“Clash of the Titans” immerses viewers into the mythological journey of Perseus, a hero undertaking a heroic quest to rescue his beloved princess Andromeda, a narrative that can’t make me not feel sympathetic and inspired. As Perseus, abandoned as an infant, goes through the ordeal of combating the infamous Medusa and confronting the Kraken, I felt sympathy and admiration for him, forming a deep connection to the hero. So, Perseus’ victory resonated with me leaving a feeling of relief and satisfaction. Additionally, as the film on its own, the decorations, the images and the actors collaborating altogether create a beautiful tapestry of Greek mythology that ignited my curiosity for a larger-than-life experience once again.

In English class, I have learned the art of critical analysis using different literary theories, and this knowledge greatly influenced my perception of fiction. Using the cultural lens, I can appreciate how Perseus' story reflects the values, beliefs, and societal norms of the ancient Greeks. With this lens, we can understand how not only Perseus but all the mythology was created to explain inexplicable events and give hope for people. This ability to deconstruct and analyze allowed me to see this film and story not as an adventure but also as an exploration of human nature and destiny as it is a big part of mythology.

The skills gained in my English class extend beyond the world of literature and cinema. More specifically, I think it can be applicable to the psychology course I am taking this year as well. The development of a character such as Perseus combined with the critical lenses that have become almost second nature at this point can provide a meaningful insight into human psychology and personal development that is one of the topics in this course. In psychology, there are several lenses that can be used to analyze behavior and mind, the humanistic theory delves deeper into the idea of a hierarchy of human needs. In short, it argues that every person strives for self-realization, which can be connected to the idea of destiny prevalent in mythology. Overall, critical thinking skill is definitely one of the most useful skills that should be used not only in psychology courses but also daily life as well.