Assignment: Week 13 Discussion Themes Beyond the Classroom

Introduction: I chose this assignment because it allowed me to take the ideas in-class readings and apply them to a work I had already invested in emotionally and to see how doing literary analysis can enhance my understanding of it. Writing about fear in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse helped me pay closer attention to how imagery, dialogue, and perspective drive a character’s emotional arc. This work reflects my growth as a reader and a writer because, through making explicit connections between storytelling techniques and theme, and explaining how fear informs character development and meaning in a narrative, I was able to reach beyond traditional notions of literature.

Work:

One example I encountered outside of class that relates to our themes is the animated film Spider Man Into the Spider Verse, which was directed by Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, and Bob Persichetti. The theme I want to focus on is Fear, especially fear and how it shapes Miles Morales as he learns how to be Spider Man. The story is more than just gaining powers, it is learning that he has to confront the fear of failing and that he is not enough. Fear is made apparent by Miles saying, “I’m not ready, I can’t do it like you.” What he says shows the pressure he feels when looking at the other Spider People, and the words he uses, simple and direct depict the anxiety he is holding as well as the unearned burden of responsibility. Imagery is also utilized to show fear in the film. When Miles attempts to make his first jump off of a skyscraper, the camera pulls back to show how small Miles looks against the huge skyline of the City. That image conveys the moment feels cumbersome, and it conveys the idea of how fear can make something seem near impossible. This theme reminds me of fear in The Picture of Dorian Gray, where fear of exposure shapes many decisions. For Miles, fear becomes a source of courage because he chooses to move forward even while he is afraid.