Wednesday, April 30, 2008

In Character

Hannibal Lecter: Our culture has always been drawn in by serial killers, and Hannibal Lector allowed people to learn about one personally. Even though the audience knows he is extremely dangerous, and fairly messed up they related to him, and see him as a real person not just a killer. In a way he was too understood. People looked at him too much as a person and less of a killer. Regardless of how human he seems, he has committed the most disturbing crimes.

Willy Loman: Willy Loman is important in our culture because his character is so timeless. Who hasn't known a simple person who loved their family, job, but made many mistakes along the way? He falls apart in front of readers but is still lovable. He commits suicide to save his family, and in a way end the humiliation he is going through. No longer able to sell things the way he once did he is ashamed and wants to make things right. Many people feel the same way, even if they don't go to extremes the way he did.


Carrie from Sex and the City has changed the way a lot of younger women (and older) view life. She is thirty something, successful, independent and has three great friends. In a way Carrie Bradshaw encompasses what many young women want for themselves, happiness without necessarily having a man. Even though we see her Independence we also see her turmoil with men, and how important healthy relationships are. Her weekly dates with her best friends, who have also done the same thing in today's culture, show that friendship is just as valuable as a good career and a good relationship. People constantly watch this hit HBO series, because her drama is so easy to relate to, with a bit of comedic relief. Plus we all waited patiently to see her and Mr. Big together in the end. I do feel that she really managed to change the expectations that young women have for themselves by showing how fun it can be to be independent instead of always being in some sort of relationship.

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