Comparing Sisyphus And A Man Said To The Universe

The myth of Sisyphus is one that explores topics of death, consequence, purpose, and consciousness. According to the Greek myth, Sisyphus is condemned to roll a rock up to the top of a mountain, only to have the rock roll back down to the bottom after each attempt to reach the top. The gods explicitly chose this punishment for sisyphus because they precvivied that an eternity of futile labor is one of the worst punishments one can acquire. Sisyphus's fate can only be perceived as a tragic once because he has no hope for remission. However, because sisyphus achieved this conclusion, it places him above his fate. The fact that Sisyphus has accepted his fate, and isn't attempting to alter it, provides him the option of completing the task with either resentment or joy. In the poem “A Man Said to the Universe” by Stephen Crane the man is searching for the universe to validify his existence. Perhaps the man is seeking for his purpose and expects the universe to provide him with the answers. However, the universe's response is quite clear. “The fact has not created in me a sense of obligation” the Universe in no position to provide you with answers. Both poems are attempting to develop/suggest the idea that fate is only horrible if we continue to hope; if we think that there is something more that is worth aiming for when in reality …show more content…
It also gives a sense of openness to the reader. In addition the third person narrator is almost godlike describing the series of events and giving their personal insight without physically interfering in any way. The third person narrator is almost like a bonus because it provides insight to the readers on the character's thoughts and desires. Perhaps both Dunn and Crane wanted to readers to have a sense of freedom and non-bias whilst reading their poems. Both poets created abstract pieces of writing that allows for open