10/30/19 Ryan Patino Period 8

Modern Mythology 2020

October 30, 2019

Ryan Patino PD 8 #22

Aim: How do fairy tales juxtaposed against ancient tales highlight the evolution of language, as well as the classic theme of love conquering all?

The class began with a simple do now: “What does it take to really love someone?”

As the students discussed, there was a general consensus with a willingness to sacrifice for the wellbeing of the other. Everyone seemed to list feelings, sensations and the extent of their love but no one seemed to actually answer the question. What is required from us to truly love someone?

The class was then asked to take part in a simple exercise. Each person was to find a partner and choose between A and B. Everyone that chose B had to simply ask “who are you?” But they were only limited to these three words. Everyone with A had to just rapid quick and concise answers. 

When repeatedly asked “who are you?” people answered with either vague and silly answers, whether it be stating their name repeatedly or stating the names of fruit. 

However, no one seemed to answer with “kind” or “generous”. No one seemed to define who they are as people.

So how did this tie back to the concept of love?

How could we as people even begin to love someone else if we don’t know who we are first? In a way it’s unfair to ask for the trust and faith of another if we don’t have faith in trust in ourselves as people. 

The class ended off with a reading from the original Grimm’s Cinderella. A story that strangely resembled the story of Psyche and Cupid. From the jealous sisters, to the harsh demanding mother (Venus) that tasked Cinderella (Psyche) with difficult labors (like picking peas from a stack of lentils) in which pigeons (ants) help her. Lastly, both stories have lovers whose identities were supposed to be kept unknown. 

Within these stories we learn that love can only exist within faith and honesty, and with enough effort love can conquer all. This seems like a common theme within human history since love stems from our necessity for attachment and dependency. As long as there is at least two people that depend on each other the bond they share can be described as some form of love. So as long as people exist, so will love.