The Myth Of Perseus Analysis

The myth of Perseus is about a young man trying to free his mother from a king. This king sends him to bring back the head of Medusa, a terrifying gorgon who has killed many men. He is successful in his journey and is able to free his mother, while gaining other treasures along the way. Many of the things that happen in the story align with the concepts of Karl Marx. In fact Perseus is taking a journey to regain an upper class status that he lost while a child. We can see the hints of this plot through the symbolization of challenges, weaponry, and humans seen throughout the story.
One of the first and more important things that causes Perseus to go on his journey are the humans that he has been around, be it briefly or for a long time. They are the reason that has been cast out from his life of luxury and into this world of discomfort. Let’s start off by taking a look at Acrisius, Perseus’s grandfather. He is the one who originally cast Perseus out of the first class. In the story it was due to the words of a prophet, but that could represent someone spreading rumors and/or lies of Perseus. These words from the prophet caused Acrisius to be “very much afraid” (1). This is only Perseus being cast from the first class, though. Polydectes …show more content…
After being handed the sandals Perseus is told that they “will guide you on the road, for they are divine and cannot stray” (9). These sandals are golden and have living wing attached to them. The fact alone that they are gold just screams wealth and social power. All of the gifts he receives also have one major thing in common. They all represent specific human traits. The sword represents decisiveness, the shield defensiveness, and the sandals determination. All good qualities for running a business, a way to escape the world of poverty. Much like Karl Marx said, “Nothing can have value without being an object of