Sehun Bolaji
Literary Analysis
The Myth Of Perseus and Medusa
In the myth of Perseus and Medusa was about how a demigod named Perseus was tasked by King Polydectes to bring him the head of the gorgon famous in myths legends as Medusa, who was a beautiful monster which snakes for hair and eyes that legend says turns you into stone. With the help of Athena and Hermes he was able to slay the beast and not only bring it back, but use it in battle until he finally handed it to the goddess Athena. The main theme of this myth is courage and perseverance , as shown by him traveling to the ends of the earth to slay a legendary, undefeated monster without even having to look in her direction. Which is why he’s a symbol of great heroism and courage in Greek Mythology to this day. One target audience of this piece could be towards 12 grade students who are preparing for college. As shown by Perseus, if you try hard enough and believe in yourself, with the help of those around you anything is possible regardless of how impossible it may seem at first. The King Polydectes sent Perseus to slay Medusa thinking that it would be impossible so that he would be able to take Perseus mother (Danae) as his wife. But regardless of this with the help of the gods and goddess Athena and Hermes he was able to win the battle. Furthermore, gain a weapon to help him in the future battles. The tone of this myth is amusing and awes-trucking as depicted as the main protagonist beating a monster which has never been defeated before, even when to the readers they had thought it was impossible, additionally surprising and shown by how he defeated Medusa by him using the reflection on his shield to battle her. The rhetorical appeal of this story would be pathos, as shown by the author of this myth using emotions to keep the readers entertained throughout the story, and for us to be inspired by it.
Work Cited
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-perseus-and-medusa/
