Hercules a Greek mythological character was a semi god. He was condemned to do 12 labors that were extremely hard. In the first seven Hercules is representing the fight of man vs nature. This made me realize that we have always tried to repress our natural instincts, to eliminate our animal side. But that actually makes us more violent. We wonder sometimes why people do the things they do. In burn journals I have asked myself that same question several times. Why did he try repeatedly to kill himself, why would anyone. But Hercules gave me the answer. It is our instinct that makes us crazy. We are striving constantly to attain happiness. Happiness, which is completely relative and personalized has grown to become this cliche goal for people. (And probably is inexistent.)
Brent in the book feels alone and wants to be happy. He tries even to describe happiness. He wants to own it, like you own milk after paying for it. "I was so happy making that sand horse and I kept thinking, if I could only remember how it feels to be happy, then when I go back home, I won't try to hurt myself again..." p. 62
Runyon lies to us when he tries to be real with his suffering. How is that possible? Well he shows us that he felt like he deserved happiness because he had suffered. That he was still suffering. (Just like a Greek hero.) But it is his intention to make us feel sad for him what lays beneath the words. He wants to sympathize with the audience and the audience (The Greek people) award him with their grief.
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I couldn't help myself... the resemblance...
Greek! Capitalize it please.
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