SH+2015-16+P4+Harpies

Aim: (Breanna) In all of the definitions there are of Harpies, a constant green word is seen. This word is mythical. This word gives the reader the sense that creature was powerful, but no longer existing. The author illustrates, “a mythical, ravenous, filthy monster having a woman's head and a bird's body” (Dictionary.com). Using this word repeatedly throughout the writing build emotion behind the word, not only just a dictionary definition. It tells the reader the this creature was not just any ordinary animal, and obviously had an important meaning to the era of time it was in. The green word mythical makes the reader deeply think of the relationship between the word and how it connects to the real world.

Works Cited: HARPIES : //Bird-Women Monsters, Storm Spirits// | //Greek Mythology, Harpyiai//, //W/ Pictures//. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2015.

Audience (David)  > >> Works Cited : "Harpy | Mythology." //Encyclopedia Britannica Online//. Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2015. Web. 26 Aug. 2015.
 * 1)  Who is the audience?
 * 1)  The audience of harpies would be people who have thought about doing severe wrong. The purpose of harpies is to, “winds that carried people away” ( [|Encyclopedia Britannica] ). Why harpies would do this, that would be up to the thoughts and wants of Zeus and Hades. Aside from being wind spirits, harpies are known to have ties to the underworld and are depicted in tombs. This can possibly imply that when they would take the the people that they were ordered to, they would put them into the underworld, meaning they would kill them.

Historical (Angela) Works: Cited Claybourne, Anna. "Harpies." //Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology//. Tarrytown: Marshall Cavendish Reference, 2012. //Credo Reference//.Web. 26 Aug 2015.



In Greek mythology, harpies have terrorized believers for centuries. ,“In Greek myth, the Harpies (meaning ‘snatchers’) were female monsters who caused mischief, tormented wrongdoers, and carried souls to the underworld. They were known for their hideous appearance and smell” (Credo). During the period when Greek mythology was very empowering, the symbolism of the evil creatures reflects each person’s evildoing and hate. The Greeks wanted their people to grow to have better character; so by creating a horrid creature to kill and escort them to the Underworld if they did wrong. Their despicable appearance is a representation of the evil part the resides in every person. Knowing that there may be a dark and evil entity intending to drag you to the depths of hell, may be enough to change anyone’s behavior for better.

Cultural (Jackie)

The perspective of harpies has drastically altered over the years due to the shift in human culture. Harpies were originally seen as beautiful, frivolous creatures, but have evolved into a frightening combination of woman and bird. “In modern times, the word harpy is sometimes used to mean a mean, heartless woman. However, some people also see the Harpies as a symbol of feminism, because they were strong female characters who represented male fears about female power”(Credo). People adjust ethics and symbols, based off of what they need from those symbols. The Greeks created harpies as an incentive if people committed wrong acts. The harpies would “snatch” malicious humans and drag them to the depths of Hell, thus persuading people to remain morally sane. Currently, harpies are still perceived as devilish creatures, but because they are female creatures, it is also seen as sexist. As these symbols evolve, the society develops with it, but sometimes without changing for the better. By perceiving symbols such as harpies to a completely different extent than what originally planned, it creates an undefined limit, of how drastically people can change the meaning of figures.

Claybourne, Anna. "Harpies." //Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology//. Tarrytown: Marshall Cavendish Reference, 2012. //Credo Reference.//Web. 26 Aug 2015.