11/7/19 Colin Rualo PD 7

Modern Mythology 2020

November 7, 2019

Colin Rualo PD 7

The class began with a reading-check-quiz on the story of Perseus in Edith Hamilton’s

Mythology. 

Shortly after, we had a Think-Pair-Share: Compare the characterization of Danae and

Andromeda against Medusa and her sisters. What is their plight?

Billy said that Danae and Andromeda are pretty and beautiful while Medusa and her sisters

were the opposite - having scales and ugly. Dejon concurred, saying the first [Danae and

Andromeda] are saved, the second [Medusa and her sisters] are ugly.

When then watched a short video titled “Story of Medusa - Greek Mythology Explained”. We learned about how Medusa was originally a priestess for the temple of Athena, about how her hair infatuated the god Poseidon, and after eventually sleeping with him, was punished by Athena by having her hair turned into venomous snakes. The video explained that even the gods were prone to sin. I agree, as shown by Poseidon’s lust and Athena’s envy.

We then had a whole group discussion on who was the real monster in the story. Allen gave a few suspects: Medusa? Poseidon? Perseus? 

On a base level, Medusa was the literal monster. She turned to stone those who looked at her.

But she was not born with those powers nor did she ask for them. Poseidon could be

considered the catalyst of her downfall; his frustration over Medusa’s initial rejections drives him to rape her. Medusa received no help from Athena, who after finding out about the sin blames Medusa and punishes her. This is a common theme in which a man commits and sin and the woman has to pay for it (i.e. Zeus and Io).  Ms. Fusaro added to the discussion saying that Athena’s punishment had an extra layer: she forced Medusa into exile, ostracizing her, and she was only taken in by the Gorgons. Not only was Medusa betrayed by the goddess she praised by shunned as well.

Danae - The Curse

The dichotomy of women either puts them into a monster status, such as Medusa

(or Medea) or completely helpless, such as Danae, Andromeda (Europa)

What would be the purpose of passing this inference on to a younger generation?

In the Greeks’ time, the purpose was to know the societal structures of the time, which

was basically to tell women to stand down, know their role, and be quiet. Allen pointed out that Medusa and Medea were strong and got punished for it, while Danae and Andromeda were passive and didn’t do anything (and ended up alright).

Though much more likeable than Jason, Perseus is able to succeed because of the extended

help he receives from Hermes and Athena, yet he is regarded as a hero of his quest
Even though he was entrapped by Polydectes, Perseus takes on this quest with blind arrogance…

and yet he is not punished for it.

What makes Perseus more deserving of divine intervention compared to his female

counterparts?

William said simply that it was his fate to. He couldn’t die till it was done.

Ms. Fusaro left us with a question as the bell rang: If there is such a bias towards men,

why are there female goddesses?

Reflection: Today I learned about Medusa’s backstory. Similar to other female characters,

Medusa was punished by divine power (in this cause due to envy). The story continues to emphasize the misogyny in Greek culture at the time. It also continues to portray another “hero” who almost blunders his way through an impossible quest, and only succeeds through divine intervention. As usual, it is all to save a sweet damsel in distress. With these recurring themes, I will be more observant in identifying examples of gender prejudice and determining real qualities of heroes, without divine intervention.