Wednesday, May 12, 2010
It's not just harps and fluffy clouds...
We touched base (but only briefly) on a topic I've been thinking about for a very long time while discussing Pan's Labyrinth today. While everyone fought over whether Ofelia's mind was playing tricks on her, a theory was brought up about the ending scene; that even though Ofelia died, her new life in the underworld was just her version of heaven. It's an idea I always wonder about: is heaven what we make it or is it the same for every person? Each person makes their own afterlife that best suits what they believe. The Buddhist reaches Nirvana, the Christian sits at the right hand of God, the Muslim gets his 7 virgins. Or the mourning widow sees her husband and the blind man sees everything he missed out on in life. Instead of there being one heaven with fluffy clouds and singing angels (as seen in so many 3 Stooges skits over the years), each individual reaches their own personal Paradise that reflects what they've always wanted. And for Ofelia it was sitting with her parents as Princess of the Underworld.
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6 comments:
I like the idea of being able to create your own version of heaven. It makes me wonder, then, do people create their own version of hell, too? Strange, and a little terrifying. But still, I'd like to think that Ofelia's finally settled in her happy place.
You're getting at one of the core mysteries of our existence, Brittney. I'm reading "The Lovely Bones" with one of my sophomore classes, and in that book Alice Seybold spends a lot of time describing the ways in which one constructs his or her heaven.
Which leads me to a question: What would Holden's heaven look like?
Hmmm I think perhaps you're right. We all are different--paradise to one person may not be the same as paradise to that person's neighbor (or their dog, fish, brother, etc)
I like that idea. I like that we all will get what we really wanted in the end. Though as Riley says, if we create our own hells, then perhaps we will get the exact opposite of what we wanted. That's unfortunate....
Yes this is a mystery I've been thinking about ever since my pastor told me that everyone had the same heaven in 8th grade confirmation class; naturally I had to disagree with him. ;)
And Mr. Kunkle I've been meaning to read the Lovely Bones, because I really want to see the movie.
Ugh, Philosophy. I like it though. I think about it too, and I'd be surprised of most others didn't. It's a question that transcends religion too, to incorporate the atheists as well. I think Mr. Kunkle's point proves how this is an impossible argument to settle: I know Kunkle is half-joking, but Holden has once again managed to scramble the situation. But it's true. My perception is probably slightly different from yours, and everyone else's. We all have a thought about this: that's why this won't be settled for a while. I say we just ask Brehm.
I agree Xander this is a good topic for Mr. Brehm- To the Brehm Cave!! (Sorry that was totally random)
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