Student Question
What is the moral of the Greek myth Pyramus and Thisbe in Edith Hamilton's Mythology?
Quick answer:
The moral of the myth "Pyramus and Thisbe," as presented in Edith Hamilton's Mythology, emphasizes the consequences of parental animosity and the dangers of rash actions. The lovers suffer due to their parents' hatred, which forces them to love in secrecy. Their tragic deaths highlight the harm caused by transferring adult bitterness to children and underscore the importance of thoughtful decision-making, as impulsive actions lead to their demise.
I would suggest that one dominant moral from the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe would be that adults should not transfer their bitterness to children.
Pyramus and Thisbe are victims of their parents' animosity. The parents dislike one another with an intense passion. As a result, they forbid their children from pursuing their love. The sad tale of both young people are the products of this hatred. Both lovers kill themselves because they are forced to love one another in a covert manner. Had they been able to love one another with public transparency, their late night rendezvous and all else could have been avoided. In my mind, one of the morals of the myth is that children suffer when parents transfer hatred to them.
In terms of the lovers themselves, a moral could be to avoid rash action. Both Pyramus and Thisbe fail to reflect prior their actions. They respond in a rash and hasty manner. Pyramus kills himself thinking that the lioness has eaten his beloved. He does not pause to think things through and instead succumbs to quick action without contemplation. In much the same way, Thisbe responds with equal fervor. She sees the dead body of the man she loved and takes his sword to end her own life. She fails to reflect upon her actions, acquiescing to rapid decision making without introspection. Evident in the suicide of two young people, the sad ending of the narrative shows that little good results hasty action.
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