One thing struck me strongly about the details of the amorous adventures of the gods explored in chapter one of The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony. That is Zeus' tendency to infidelity with women of a similar nature.
As if the irony of cheating on the goddess of the bed wasn't enough, Zeus' initial infidelity was to the woman closest to his wife Hera - Io, a woman who also appeared just like her. And then, as Calasso weaves throughout the chapter, Zeus also takes Io's progeny, Europa. It seems poignant to me, the subtle details which have been maintained throughout the years in these tails of human misbehavior, vengeance, jealousy, betrayal, sadness and love.
The fact that Zeus would replace Hera, essentially with a newer and different Hera, is devastating in it's lack of difference. The greatness and tragedies of humanity move along in patterns which we can all recognize and relate to.
No comments:
Post a Comment