So, as a healthy alternative to losing brain cells while trying to decipher this book, I have created a comprehensive list of similarities between the best cartoon character ever and our romantic hero, Hester Prynne.
Just as Hester wears the scarlet letter as an emblem of shame, Zuko's scar is also symbolic of a sin he has committed in the past - speaking out against the Fire Lord a.k.a worst father and evillest dictator ever. (Fortunately Zuko did not commit adultery because he is actually my soulmate and that would be terribly heartbreaking.) Because of Hester's crime, she falls to the lowest ranks of society and becomes the embodiment of a debased and unholy woman. Similarly, Zuko drops from the esteemed heir to the throne to an unworthy "banished prince", one who is looked down upon and deemed incapable by his own people. Both are characters who, due to scrutiny and influence of society, have been thoroughly robbed of their honor.
However, obviously, neither Hester nor Zuko is really the one to blame here. Ultimately, their shame and dishonor are rooted in the fact that neither character conforms with the accepted ideals of society - for Hester, being a devout Puritan, and for Zuko, being a heartless ruler who shoots fireballs at people just because he can. Now that I think about it, The Last Airbender as a whole can be classified as a romantic work: emphasis on elements of nature and departure from classical standards are core themes throughout the course of the show. In this way, Zuko, just like Hester Prynne, is a romantic hero.
Sincerely,
Your source of infinite wisdom, Avatar Aang-ela
haaaaaa ha ha ha ha.
Cant even explain how much i love this post, every aspect of it had me smiling and laughing to myself (which made my parents think i was crazy but whatever). Just the fact that you some how related this boring story to an amazing show, Avatar, will definitely make this book a little less agonizing to read. Thank you avatar aang-ela.
ReplyDeleteYour comparison with Avatar to Scarlet letter is just too beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt was very enjoyable to read and it had a very interesting point of how Zuko, who was considered the antagonist, is actually a romantic hero.
It's pretty crazy how symbolic certain things within children's TV shows can be. I respect Zuko and Hester for sticking to their morals and not conforming to society.
ReplyDelete