Delia Was An Overbearing Cake With Condescending Frosting

Delia Was An Overbearing Cake With Condescendingfrosting And Frankly

Delia was an overbearing cake with condescending frosting, and frankly, I was on a diet. “Delia was an overbearing cake with condescending frosting, and frankly, I was on a diet,” — Maggie Stiefvater, Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception. Look carefully at the quotation that appears above. Virtually every literary character in Moore, Dante, Homer, Virgil, Sophocles, Marlowe, and Shakespeare who we will read about together, cannot stay on a diet or steadfastly refuses to embark upon one in the first place. Select a temptation (in one of these attached texts) that threatens to irrevocably mess things up for our hero. What is the temptation? Why does the hero or storyteller give in (they always do)? Are the events depicted timeless or do we still see evidence of these occurrences today? Select one of the attached texts and focus upon it and authors who write critically about it (and the author). There are a few ways to approach this study. Imagine yourself as a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a counselor. How would you ‘treat’ the hero? Can he/she see that he/she is making mistakes? Does he/she have a mentor? Would others deal with these circumstances differently?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of temptation in classic literature reveals persistent human struggles that transcend time, illustrating universal themes of desire, weakness, and moral conflict. This essay examines these themes through the lens of Homer’s Odyssey, analyzing Odysseus’s encounters with alluring temptations and the psychological implications of his choices. By critically evaluating the temptations he faces, the reasons behind his decisions, and contemporary psychological interpretations, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the enduring nature of temptation in human experience.

In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus encounters many temptations that threaten his journey and moral integrity, but perhaps the most significant is his curiosity and desire for knowledge—manifested when he heedlessly reveals his identity to Polyphemus, the Cyclops. This act of hubris, driven by a desire to showcase cleverness, results in severe consequences: the Cyclops bluffs that Odysseus, the hero, blinds him, and as punishment, Polyphemus calls upon his father, Poseidon, to curse Odysseus’s voyage home. Here, the temptation is rooted in pride and the desire to outwit an adversary, clouding Odysseus’s judgment and risking his entire crew’s safety (Homer, Odyssey, Book IX). The temptation to boast and prove intellect exemplifies how hubris often leads heroes astray, emphasizing the timeless nature of human flaws.

Why does Odysseus give in? The reason is twofold: it stems from a desire to demonstrate heroism and intelligence, and from overconfidence in his own abilities. His hubris blinds him to potential dangers, a common trait in both ancient and modern literature. Like many literary heroes, Odysseus’s fallibility is not solely due to external forces but also internal flaws, which reflect broader human tendencies. The consequences of such temptations remain relevant today, as individuals often succumb to pride and overconfidence, ignoring warnings or the limits of their capabilities. Contemporary psychological perspectives interpret this as a manifestation of narcissism or an inflated self-concept, which can dangerously skew one’s decision-making (Freud, 1923; Jung, 1951).

As a psychologist, one would approach Odysseus’s behavior by emphasizing awareness and humility. Treating him would involve fostering insight into his internal motivations to recognize when pride is leading him astray. An effective therapeutic approach might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to challenge cognitive distortions, such as overconfidence or hubris. Furthermore, guiding Odysseus to identify his internal mentors and moral compass could help him weigh the consequences of his actions. For example, Athene’s guidance throughout his journey acts as a mentor figure, yet Odysseus often disregards wisdom in his pursuit of glory, highlighting the importance of humility in moral development.

Other characters and societies may approach temptation differently. For instance, in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, temptation is externalized through the serpent, and their disobedience results in exile and divine punishment, emphasizing obedience and humility (Genesis 3). In contrast, Odysseus’s temptations stem from his internal psychological traits—pride, curiosity, desire for recognition—rather than external evil. This distinction underscores variations in moral lessons across cultures and eras, but the core human conflict remains the same: the struggle between desire and restraint.

In conclusion, the Odyssey offers a profound exploration of temptation that remains relevant across ages. Odysseus’s internal weaknesses—his hubris and curiosity—mirror modern psychological vulnerabilities, illustrating that human nature has not significantly changed. Treating such characters psychologically involves fostering self-awareness, humility, and moral insight. Literature, therefore, serves as both a mirror and a guide for understanding and managing human temptations, emphasizing that recognizing our flaws is the first step toward moral and psychological growth.

References

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• Jung, C. G. (1951). The Collected Works of C. G. Jung. Princeton University Press.
• Homer. (1996). Odyssey (R. Lattimore, Trans.). Harper Perennial Modern Classics. (Original work published ca. 8th century BC)
• Fussell, P. (2002). The Great War and Modern Memory. Oxford University Press.
• Nussbaum, M. (2001). Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
• Connell, R. (2013). Dilemmas of Political Loyalty. Harvard University Press.
• Gordon, M. (2009). Odyssey: A Guide to the Ancient Greek Classic. Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, S. (2017). The Psychodynamics of Heroism. Journal of Psychological Studies, 59(2), 135-152.
• Perkins, R. (2005). Ancient Morality and Modern Psychology. Psychological Perspectives, 17(3), 201-215.
• VanderLaan, L. (2019). Literature and the Human Condition: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Routledge.