One type of story that I have always heard and that has always fascinated me are stories centered around the Faustian archetype, i.e. the main character selling his or her soul to the devil for earthly gain. You might be wondering why I have always heard these stories and liked them so much. Did my parents have a screwed up sense of humor and try to scare me at bedtime? No, it was much worse. My mother was an english teacher and thought it was important to read me "real" literature as a child. She read me unabridged texts of classics such as Gulliver's Travels and War of the Worlds. One short story I was particularly fond of however was The Devil and Tom Walker. The story was written by Washington Irving and is the first american short story centered around the Faustian archetype. The plot is pretty simple. Tom Walker sells his soul to the devil and pays for it dearly. Of course as I grew older early american literature became very "uncool" and my interest in this story faltered, but, thanks to my Grandfather my love of "deals with the devil" also grew. As it were my Grandfather was an avid blues lover and, having been born and lived in Mississippi his whole life, had a great understanding of not only the music but the folklore that inevitably accompanies such an ancient art. And of all the stories he told me the "coolest" one by far was that of the late, great bluesman Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads for virtuoso guitar playing ability. Although Robert Johnson payed dearly for his gift, being murdered at twenty seven, the story still inspired me to pick up guitar.
The Robert Johnson myth has been retold in a variety of ways: orally, in song, through books, and even in the film "Oh Brother Where Art Thou". Of course the age old Faustian archetype is everywhere and is an unavoidable theme in literature as well as film and music. I guess it remains so popular because secretly people can relate. People might not be willing to sell their soul to satan himself, but everyone loses something when they get greedy. I know I do.
I thought your post was very interesting. My initial thought of Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" and how that song makes me want to pick up a fiddle...even though I am not musically-inclined whatsoever. I could definitely relate to that "I would sell my soul to be able to..." feeling. For me, I wish I could sing. Another thing I thought was very cool was how interlinked your connection to the story was and how you are to your family. Having that family influence in the musical and academic aspects of your life shines through and I can definitely appreciate it. Thanks for sharing such a cool story!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this blog post, mainly because of the personal relationship you talked about with your grandpa. I loved how you admitted that your love of these stories were semi-faltered, but how he brought you back to remembering how "cool" they truly were. Also, this makes me agree with your parents that children should be read "real" literature apart from the books that barely even have proper sentences. I think you need a better title and make it more intense. loved this post!
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