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The Archetypal Theme of Good vs Evil

Final Reflexion

Multimedia Essay

The archetypal theme of good against evil applies to the outside world for it is a very relevant fight. Everyday, each and every one of us are forced to engage in this fight due to the decisions that we make. Whether it deals with deciding to give money to the homeless, defending someone against a bully, or enlisting in war, every decision, no matter how big or small, will leave a lasting impression. Therefore, it is our duty to thoroughly understand the severity of each and every decision we make, if we want to win the battle against evil. For evil does exist, it is evident in terrorist acts, murders, rape, inequality etc. We cannot hide from it for it surrounds us, and it is within us. However, we can choose what to do with it, we can embrace it, or we can fight it. In the event that we do choose to fight it, we are never alone because goodness encompasses us. It is apparent through the acts of love from our family, the helping hand of a friend, the sweet smile of a neighbor etc. Although, wickedness, corruption, and evil do surround us, love, kindness, and goodness envelop us. "People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” (Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom). We can choose to act on the wickedness that surrounds us, or we can choose to act on the love that is within us, for this fight of good against evil is a reality. However no matter how hard evil tries, goodness will always win, for evil is self-destructive, and goodness is uplifting.

Final Reflexion

Works Cited

ww.shakespeare-online.com

www.google.ca

https://www.google.ca/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&ei=Td-1VYn-BYLp-AHzxYCoAw&ved=0CBMQqi4oAQ

www.youtube.ca

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/111810-no-one-is-born-hating-another-person-because-of-the

The Lion King. Dir. Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff. Perf.

Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons,

Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Walt Disney Pictures, 1994.

DVD.

Throughout the entirety of my multimedia essay, I used quotations to further demonstrate the archetypal theme that I am presenting. Although the theme may be quite apparent in both the film and play, I found it necessary to elaborate in order to provide my audience with a deeper understanding of my essay. The theme is present in the settings, characters, and actions, and I found it imperative to exhibit that, for not only does it display the investment of the theme within the film and the play, it also indicates how important the theme is to the storyline. Moreover, I found it to be my obligation to establish this and I believe that the quotations that I chose to use allowed me to do so.

My chosen sounds, and images helped to illustrate the theme in numerous ways. The sound aspect was identifiable through my use of video. I chose to incorporate the video of Mufasa's death at the hands of Scar within my essay because I believe that it truly demonstrates the theme. This is because as we witness the death of Mufasa within the video, we witness the death of good. Similarly, as we witness the victory of Scar, we witness the victory of evil. This was very important to incorporate because it efficiently displays the fight that takes place all throughout the novel, the fight between good and evil. On numerous occasions I used images within my essay in order to give my audience a visual image of my words, for visual aids prove to resonate positively within the audience and leaves a lasting impression. Therefore, on each page, I made sure to add an image that related to my words and the theme in order to deepen their understanding. For instance, as I spoke about Macbeth's inner conflict as he tried to choose whether or not to commit murder, and as he was eventually persuaded by Lady Macbeth to do so, I incorporated an image of her holding a dagger, as she tries to convince him. She represents the evil that tries, and succeeds to suppress the good within Macbeth.

Actions

"First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,/ Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,/ Who should against his murderer shut the door,/ Not bear the knife myself..." (I.vii.14-17).

The actions of a person often play an important role in determining a person's character. This is no different in the play of Macbeth for it is the actions of Macbeth that allow us to uncover the evil that is inherent within him. Following his encounter with the three witches, in which they disclosed to him the information that he would one day become king, Macbeth found himself to be consumed with ambition and desire. He wanted nothing more than to be king, and he would stop at nothing until he attained his aspirations. That is until he realized what exactly it would take to become king, which was committing murder. This quotation embodies the archetypal theme of good vs evil for it informs readers of Macbeth's inner conflict as he decides whether or not to commit the crime. King Duncan was a kind, noble, and respectful ruler that was well-loved by all people, including Macbeth. Macbeth knew that it would be wrong for him to commit this transgression for there was enough good within him to take the time to reflect about the actions that he contemplated executing. The valiant, and brave warrior that was dedicated to his king, began to shine through and it seemed as though he wouldn't commit this sin, and that good would prevail, however his selfish, and wicked wife, Lady Macbeth appeared before he could make a decision. She began taunting him, and questioning his manhood, all the while using her influence to persuade him in accomplishing the offense, and eventually she won, as did evil. Macbeth committed the murder and completely gave himself to the evil that resided within him. The victory of evil over the good within Macbeth, also proved to be the victory over good in Scotland for the previous just, and dignified king, had been replaced by one who was too consumed with power and wickedness to bother himself with the affairs of others, which led Scotland to chaos. Furthermore, Macbeth's commitment to evil also turned his life chaotic for he no longer had any morals, and his further transgressions only proved that good had lost against the evil within Macbeth.

Actions

Characters

"I was first in line until the little hairball was born." (Scar, The Lion King)

" A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,/ And yet I would not sleep: merciful powers,/ Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature/ Gives way to in repose!" (II.i.7-10).

In The Lion King, the actions of the characters also allowed readers to determine their nature, which aided them in their comprehension of the theme, as seen in this quotation. Scar was first in line to inherit the throne, following Mufasa's death, however, succeeding the birth of Simba, he was replaced. Enraged by the loss of the possibility of him being king, and consumed by jealousy, he sought out to kill Mufasa, as well as Simba, for he too, just as Macbeth, was blinded by his ambition. He believed that he deserved the kingdom, and would sacrifice the life of his brother and nephew, in order to achieve it. This proves to be a battle of good against evil, for Scar epitomizes evil with his selfish ways and conniving acts while Mufasa and Simba embody all that is good within the movie, for they are kind, respectful, and caring leaders. Although evil wins momentarily as Scar's plan to kill Mufasa was accomplished, eventually good prevailed because Simba came out from exile, and fought for his kingdom for he finally realized who he was, and that he must fight for what is right.

Settings

The characters of Macbeth and Banquo aid readers in understanding the theme because they efficiently display the theme of good vs evil within the play. This quotation symbolizes this as it allows readers to understand the goodness that Banquo possesses contrasted by the evil that dwells within Macbeth. When we are first introduced to Macbeth, and Banquo it is following their exemplary victory against the rebels, as well as the Norwegians. As they walk together, they encounter the three sisters who reveal to them their prophecies. Onto Macbeth, it was revealed that he was to be king, and onto Banquo it was disclosed that he would beget future kings. Following the unveiling of their prognostications, something awoke within Macbeth, and he accepted their predictions. He was overwhelmed with desire, and all that he could think of was what they foretold, and eventually his ambition led him to murder. He murdered the King in order to take the throne, and this evil act was the first of many that ultimately led to his death. Banquo, however, refused to accept these evil predictions although they were enticing. He even went as far to decline sleep in order to escape the haunting of his evil aspirations. When faced with temptation he turned to prayer in order to vanquish it, juxtaposed to Macbeth who welcomed it with open arms, and eagerly succumbed to it.

"Yes Timon, this is my home." (Simba, The Lion King)

Characters

Similarly, The Lion King also took advantage of the settings to display this particular theme. "The pride rock" demonstrates this, for as during Mufasa's ruling the pride rock was fruitful. The grass was green, the water was clear, the food was plentiful, and there were numerous herds of animals that were content with their home. The land epitomized happiness, unity, and family, for they were under a just, kind, brave and loving ruler. However, once the throne was unjustly taken from him, and his heir, Simba, by Scar, everything fell apart. There was no sign of water or food, and the herds of animals had all taken off in search of these things. The land was deserted, dry, and fruitless, and all of its inhabitants were unhappy, and remained there due to obligation. The pride rock had acquired a new personality, for it now epitomized evil, unhappiness, and despair due to the fact that their ruler was unkind, cowardly, selfish, and wicked. Moreover, once balance was restored to pride rock, following Scar's downfall, and Simba's inheritance of the throne, all was as it should be, and it returned to it's previous state for good had finally prevailed. The quotation symbolizes the importance of pride rock to Simba, and his father for they cared for it, and its habitants, and were willing to do anything for it regardless of circumstances, contrary to Scar, who saw it as nothing more as a prize for his victory over his brother.

"There's more to being king than getting your way all the time." (Mufasa, The Lion King)

Settings

The characters within The Lion King - more specifically Mufasa, and Scar- efficiently portrayed the archetypal theme as they symbolized good and evil. This quotation highlights that for it emphasizes the good within Mufasa who understood that as king he must think of others, and do what is best for them. However Scar was much too consumed with his selfish ways to realize that. Mufasa, was the king of Pride Rock. He was powerful, brave, and strong, producing fear even within his worst enemies, the hyenas.They trembled at the mention of his name, and quivered at his presence. He was brave and always fought for what he believed in, and to protect the ones he loved. However, he never went looking for trouble, or deliberately induced harm onto others, for behind his tough exterior, there lay a loving, and protective father. Although he harbored much power, he remained humble and instilled within his son the importance of treating everyone with respect, no matter how big, or small the animal may be. Mufasa epitomized goodness, juxtaposed to his brother, and his foil, Scar who embodied evil. Scar is Mufasa's younger, and conniving brother. He was to be next in line for the throne, however, following Simba's birth, he was replaced. Therefore, he ultimately devoted himself entirely to becoming the king, no matter what. His lack of values, and selfish ways represent the evil that is present in the movie.

"Clamour'd the livelong night: some say, the earth/ Was feverous and did shake." (II.iii.65).

"Long live the king!"

Both The Lion King as well as Macbeth, display the archetypal theme through their settings. In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macbeth's castle in particular displayed good vs evil. This is demonstrated in the quotation for it portrays the evil that devoured the once innocent, and good castle. When King Duncan expressed his desire to visit Macbeth's castle following Macbeth's great accomplishments while in war, the castle was portrayed as inviting, and welcoming. "This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air/ Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself/ Unto our gentle senses." (I.vi.1-3). I believe that the atmosphere is described as such in order to highlight the fact that it had not yet been tainted with evil, for they had not yet committed the ultimate crime. However following the murder, and following the infestation of evil, the atmosphere had completely shifted in order to highlight the severity of the crime. The once serene and beautiful castle was now consumed by darkness. The moon had disappeared and the candles inside the castle were all out. The heavy storm that was raging outdoors also depicted the evil.

Archetypes are a very typical example of a certain person or thing, such as the ever present character of the hero, or villain. Archetypes may also be a recurrent symbol or motif. For instance, the literary archetype of good and evil. This particular archetypal theme is perfectly displayed in The Lion King, as well as William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Although these story lines may be polar opposites, they share the use of this situational archetype. Furthermore, through their respective settings, characters,and actions, readers are capable of fully grasping this theme. I chose to present this particular theme due to its deep investment and importance to the story lines of both the play, and the film for it determines what numerous interactions, and conflicts will revolve around. The quotation that I chose, "Long live the king!"(Scar, The Lion King) are the last words Scar spoke to his brother Mufasa, just before he killed him. I chose this quotation because I believe that it highlights the evil, and ambition that drove both Scar and Macbeth to kill, and annihilate the good that reigned, and that existed within them, so that they may fulfill their desires.

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