High Mimetic Thematic

High Mimetic Thematic works of literature can be often described as epic or dealing with fantastical heros and massive battles. Some good examples of these themes come from the literary works of Homer. These stories usually are built around epic events in a certain nation in which the story, and the events therein, are centered around a capital city. The most popular by far of Homer’s epic stories is that of The Iliad. There are two societies within this epic; the Trojans and the Greeks.

Like most high mimetic forms of literature, The Iliad centers around the nobility and gods of the time. The main characters in the plot are either of noble birth, great warriors, or are somehow related to the gods. In the tale, there is a squabble over the daughter of a Menelaus by the name of Helen. After Helen runs away with Paris to Troy, there is an all out war and many great battle are waged, and many a good men die. All of the battles within the text are epic in scale and most of the story is told in or around Troy.

The high mimetic theme usually involves a great nation that is in some sort of conflict, be that internal or external. Although the events in the story may be a little far-fetched, the majority of it is realistic and has less to do with gods and monsters than romanticism or myths. The main characters seem to be stronger than most men and of course contain a hint of nobility. Even Achilles was a “noble” character not only because he was a great warrior, but because it was said that he was the son of a god. The common man is usually not represented much at all in high mimetic themes because he is not noble and therefor does not contain the power to do epics things such as launch wars and battle gods. The nobility seem to be the most entertaining and powerful entities in this type of literature. The audience to the epic is somewhat looking down at the action that the author has played out below. The author merely conveys the events of the story in an epic and entertaining fashion.

Cliches and Archetypes in Media

After reading archetypes of literature, I had a thought about other "mediums" of literature such as popular television cliches revolving around comedy. Most mainstream comedies are centered around poking fun of the middle-aged male. A lot of the time he is overweight and may be clever, but not necessarily intelligent. Animated sitcoms such as Family Guy and The Simpsons are a more radical form of this central idea. Just a pondering of mine.

I shall endeavor to think of more "mediums" of literature.

More Don Q.

The further I read into this book the more I like it. The amount of interesting characters and strange situations involving the entertaining hallucinations of our dear hero is enjoyable. I have been thinking about Don Quixote's past and I have been wondering what it must of been like. I do believe it was quite dull and have very little to do with being a knight errant. Talk about a mid-life crisis eh?

His love life probably was'nt all that entertaining as well. This is witnessed in the countless pledges of loyalty and honor seeking for "fair ladies", who are actually most likely prostitutes. Poor guy can't see whats real from unreal. This is definitely not going to end well for our hero.

So far so good

So far, Don Quixote is a very enjoyable read. The author is very skilled at his proffession and the book is smooth and enjoying to read. I love the vivid chivalrous imagery; the fact that it is all just an illusion. There is an interesting dichotomy between what is real and what is not and I really do feel for our hero. Sometimes I want to get away from real life and just day dream. This one is hard to put down.