November 18, 2013, Blog 10, Being Human

What does it mean to be human?

In report to my home galaxy, I will explain a few of my experiences during my visit to Earth and what it means to be human. I have found a few common links dating back several hundred years. All in all, the innate need to feel important, loved and desired is exhibited throughout the course of my stay. During my research, I was able to compare my experiences with that of many fictional characters.

It is quite obvious that the woman of ancient Greek times are taught to be subservient to the men in their families. They are to stifle their opinions and walk in the shadows of their male counterparts. Though the beauty of Helen of Troy transforms the course of a country. Helen is looked upon as the most beautiful woman in the world, thus causing a great uproar in Troy, leading to the Trojan War. Though we cannot link the war directly to her, she is certainly a symptom of the war. This ideal of beauty has not changed through the course of history. Roxanne Coss exhibits not only beauty but charm, style and her beautiful voice. Just like Helen, Roxanne was loved for her beauty and abilities. In Bel Canto, we see how Hosokawa risked everything for the opportunity to love Coss. He came to a foreign country as a married man, just for the chance to meet Coss. Eventually, his love for Coss cost him his life.

Paris or Alexander did the same. He heard about Helen of Troy and her winning the title of most beautiful woman in the world. He wanted her for himself. He risked everything to be with her. Paris went to Troy and even stayed with his good friend, Melenus, Helen's husband. Paris was treated as an equal until he took Helen from Melenus, thus causing the Trojan War.

Although a war did not break out for Coss and Hosokawa, it was his love for her that brought him to this poor, underprivileged nation. Hosokawa was among many that was taken hostage for several months. During this time of siege, the two fell in love. Though like the Trojan War, it ended in tragedy. Why compare the two? Generally it demonstrates a theory that the attraction between a man and a woman does not change. The willingness of a man to conquer the woman he loves is exhibited time and time again.

In further demonstration of the same theory, we look at Samson and Delilah. Another story of epic proportion. Samson, a god-fearing Israelite, wanted to a Philistine bride. In his pursuit, he meets a very beautiful Delilah. Samson is quite strong and seen as a protector to his people. After they married, Delilah was offered money by the Philistines to give them Sampson's secret. His strength. After several attempts to unveil Sampson's secret, Delilah learned his strength is from his long locks of hair. While he slept, Delilah cut his hair and received her reward. Sampson was so in love with her, he did not realize her plight to destroy him. Again, we are shown the power of love and desire.

Delilah strips a sleeping Samson of his might...his locks of hair.

 

Moving to another strange observation of this theory, we look at the story of Hamlet. The son of a king who recently passed away, Hamlet holds the future of his country in his hands. King Hamlet's, Claudis, murdered the King, then assumed his place both on the throne and as his widow's husband. Claudis wanted what King Hamlet had and would stop at nothing to get it. Through the story, young Hamlet works to avenge his father's death. All the while, Claudis works to defile Hamlet ultimately ordering his death. This exhibition of jealousy speaks to just how far one would go to ensure their own happiness. Just like Delilah, Claudis wanted his reward and stopped at nothing to gain it. It is in the true spirit of selfish behavior that Claudis behaved the way he did.

Speaking of selfish behavior, we see a prime example of this again in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Many stories are woven together as we follow the fate of the traveler's heading to the site of St. Thomas Beckett. The shining example of greed has to be the Pardoner. The Pardoner is a priest of sorts. Although he follows the Catholic faith, his behavior defiles the religion in many ways. Pardoners love for money had them to take advantage of the faithful. These so called priests would sell souls from purgatory, offer miracles for a price all for their own gain. Again, the need for the male to satisfy how own desires is more important than the difficulties their actions would cause others. 

Ahhh...the Glory of Love!

 

Even though the characters I have presented here exhibit some sort of defining greed, be it love or money, they all share a common theme. The need to be the hero! Hosokawa wanted to be a hero to Coss, Paris to Helen as he fought the war. Sampson and his fight to protect his people. Each story has a character in kleos, the idea that dying in battle is much more respected than dying naturally. Sounds like an ego thing! Ultimately these men were looking for respect and honor.

In present day, we look to determine if those in the 21^st century are concerned with kleos. Are there modern day heros looking to die with respect in this fashion? I would think that would certainly be up for debate. Not that anyone is traveling oceans to find the most beautiful and start wars, but there is something to be said about dying with dignity. Of course we honor those that die in battle, they have given their life for our freedom. But what about the old man lying in a nursing home bed? Is he indignant? Because he has become old and grown dependent has he lost his dignity? Surely not! He is still a father, a husband and a child of God. Just like all of our characters and those we met on this journey. The great link seen through out history is that of wanting what we seemingly can't have. Whether is be the fortune, the fame, the woman, the man or the bragging rights. 

In this video...Freddie Mercury leads Queen in "I Want it All"