![]() ![]() The point at which transcendence occurs within the ever-recurring brief moment of time that passes between when Sisyphus accomplishes his goal and when the rock starts rolling backward. That futile effort to push that rock to the top of the hill over and over again is described in poetic language that serves to transform what was intended to be an act of futility into an act of existential transcendence. His life was one of perpetual scorn for authority, disbelief in the concept of mortality for mortals and utter and boundless passion for living was the real motivation behind an eternity of futility. It is this very lack of respect for those who punish him as well as the peculiar choice of the gods for that punishment that makes Sisyphus an absurd hero for Camus. ![]() The overriding presumption of guilt boils down an essential lack of proper obeisance to the gods from their point of view. As for what Sisyphus is actually being punished for, accounts differ there as well ranging from a generally rebellious disregard for the supposed supremacy of the gods to imprisoning Death. For Camus, the two visions of the man are hardly incompatible. Another tradition portrays him as a common thief lying in wait for passersby. The ancient poet Homer presented Sisyphus as a particularly intelligent mortal. The punishment was considered severe: futile labor for ever. The ancient gods of myth found a uniquely horrific punishment for Sisyphus: pushing an enormous and heavy rock to the top of a mountain only to have it fall back to its starting point thanks to the forces of gravity upon that weight. The essay begins with an introduction to myths-note the plural-of Sisyphus. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |