Throughout human history, stories have been passed through the generations. These stories aren’t known to be factual, nor logical, but they have been accepted into society. A Short History of a Myth by Karen Armstrong describes what defines a myth, and what they mean to society. There are many factors that decide a myth, but the two most definitive according the A Short History of a Myth are having supernatural or divine elements, along with having a moral or lesson. “Tularecito” by John Steinbeck displays both of these factors, and is an example of a myth. “Tularecito” is a myth because it has elements that defy human nature while it delivers an important message to human society.
“Tularecito” describes a society that exhibits supernatural …show more content…
A Short History of a Myth tells how myths should be able to direct humans on how they should live. Armstrong says, “... it tells us what we must do in order to live more richly” (Armstrong 10). In order for people to know what to do with their lives, myths told of a lesson to help people understand. “Tularecito” teaches people the common lesson that people aren't always what the eye sees. Tularecito attacks his peers after they destroy his creations in class, subsequently Miss Martin believes that he deserves a punishment for being such an animal. Frank Gomez disagrees, “‘He ought to be locked up,’ Miss Martin broke in. ‘This creature is dangerous. You should have seen him today.’ ‘No, Miss Martin, he should be allowed to go free… If he had been dangerous he could easily have killed me when I whipped him’” (Steinbeck 78). Miss Martin judged Tularecito based on his tempered behavior, while Frank Gomez believes that he could do much worse if he wanted to be a bad person. Tularecito was misunderstood by Miss Martin, and by the majority of the society he lived in. This led to Tularecito wanting more than what he had, and wanting a better sense of
“Tularecito” describes a society that exhibits supernatural …show more content…
A Short History of a Myth tells how myths should be able to direct humans on how they should live. Armstrong says, “... it tells us what we must do in order to live more richly” (Armstrong 10). In order for people to know what to do with their lives, myths told of a lesson to help people understand. “Tularecito” teaches people the common lesson that people aren't always what the eye sees. Tularecito attacks his peers after they destroy his creations in class, subsequently Miss Martin believes that he deserves a punishment for being such an animal. Frank Gomez disagrees, “‘He ought to be locked up,’ Miss Martin broke in. ‘This creature is dangerous. You should have seen him today.’ ‘No, Miss Martin, he should be allowed to go free… If he had been dangerous he could easily have killed me when I whipped him’” (Steinbeck 78). Miss Martin judged Tularecito based on his tempered behavior, while Frank Gomez believes that he could do much worse if he wanted to be a bad person. Tularecito was misunderstood by Miss Martin, and by the majority of the society he lived in. This led to Tularecito wanting more than what he had, and wanting a better sense of