HEROES

The topic for today is Heroes. What is the difference between a Hero and a Role Model? Do you have a Hero? How would you respond to someone (like me) who thinks that the modern world is antagonistic toward the very idea of heroism?

Mad as a Hatter

"Part of being sane, is being a little bit crazy.”
--Janet Long

“You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.”
--Robin Williams

“'But I don’t want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked.
'Oh, you can’t help that,' said the Cat. 'We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.'
'How do you know I’m mad?' said Alice.
'You must be,” said the Cat. 'or you wouldn’t have come here.'”
--Lewis Carroll

“A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free”
--Nikos Kazantzakis


All of the above quotations assume a certain amount of "madness" in life. Here's today's question: How do you define "sane" behavior?

Family Folklore

Tell an "exaggerated" story from your own family lore, a story that has grown and been embellished over time. It doesn't have to be long, just a paragraph or two--though you may write more if you wish.

Are You Fifth Business?

Fifth Business Definition: "Those roles which, being neither those of Hero nor Heroine, Confidante nor Villain, but which were nonetheless essential to bring about the Recognition or the denouement, were called the Fifth Business in drama and opera companies organized according to the old style; the player who acted these parts was often referred to as Fifth Business."

If, as Shakespeare says, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players...": Is it possible that some lives are of more importance and consequence than others? Is it possible that some roles in life are more essential than others? Do you see yourself playing a major role or a minor role in life? Discuss.


McCullough will get the ball rolling, and then the rest of you can pitch in.