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Nature Connection
This myth starts off by stating that it is an explanation for the reason some mulberries are RED in color. It was the tragic death of two lovers--and therefore their spilled blood--that forever changed the color to red. -
Meet the Lovers
Pyramus is described as the "most beautiful youth" and Thisbe as "the loveliest maiden of al the East." They live in Babylon and are actually neighbors who share a common wall. Very typical of a Greek myth to have the characters be the most beautiful in the land--seems very traditional and common for the Greeks to focus on that physical beauty. -
Early form of texting
They whisper sweet nothings to each other using a hole in the wall between the two houses. They kiss the wall in a symbolic expression of their love. -
Parents Shut Down
Both of their parents forbid the idea of these two youths getting married. Probably a patriarchal society. Maybe this culture embraces pre-arranged marriages, which is why the two can't be together. Theme = rebellion of love. Shows you have to fight for what you love. Maybe the ancient Greeks were a bit romantic--love conquers differences??? -
The Plan!!!
Meet in the grave yard by the tomb. Sneak away at night. Running away for love. The mulberry tree with snow white berries is next to the tomb. Greeks believed that there was power of choice. Youth is of big importance in ancient Greece; the characters in this story help show the power of youth. -
Of course it doesn't work...
They do not meet up at the same time. Thisbe gets there first and sees a lioness. She runs away and drops her cloak. -
Of Course it doesn't work part 2
Pyramus shows up only to see the bloody cloak lieing there. The lion had mauled it and left. The blood came from a kill that the lioness had just made. -
The ignorance of youth
Pyramus kills himself because he thinks he is responsible for Thisbe's death. He just figured the lioness had eaten her. Thisbe comes back, sees Pyramus there dying, and she holds him as he passes on. So she offs herself too. Youth seem to so often jump to conclusions without thinking things through. So this is what we call a universal theme. The ignorance of youth.
