by Simon Blevins
Many heroes have become redundant in
their archetypal nature, yet some are unique and break past these
roles. Shadow, from the American Gods, appears to be a classic hero
with a touch of antihero. Shadow is a newly freed convict trying to
return home after years of incarceration.
Upon his release he discovers that his
wife is dead. In an attempt to escape his past and find work he
embarks on an epic journey through which he explores a world of
forgotten Gods struggling to survive in America.
What makes him unique is his incredible
maturity.From the start of the story he is a polite individual with a
strong control over his anger. This maturity would be less surprising
with a stagnant hero; however, he changes a great deal throughout the
story.
Shadow starts his adventure with a
vague, indirect denial of the world and a lack of closure with his
wife's death. His inner change is epitomized when he is hung from the
world tree in a sigil to Oden. During this time Shadow looks inwards
and comes to terms with his existence. He then rejects the deceptions
of the world when he opens the trunk of the car. In the epilogue
Shadow cuts the last of his earthly ties in preparation for a death
that won't come, concluding his inner change. His development through
the story might appear subtle yet it is monumental, I urge any
fiction lover to accompany Shadow through the American
Gods.
No comments:
Post a Comment