Reflecting on the Legend of Orpheus and Eurydice

Reflecting on the Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice

Relevant topics: The following are some of the themes that could be considered under this work proposal

• Temptations

• Destructive desires

• Self-destruction

• Insecurity

Work proposals

Basic reading material: [/en/297433/ click here to read the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice

• What does Orpheus’s looking back symbolize?

• Why do we fear losing what we love?

• Could the fear of loss prevent us from enjoying what we have?

• Imagine that Orpheus looks back, but only notices that Eurydice is not looking at him — how does that change the story?

• What drove Orpheus to disobey Persephone’s warning?

• Why are we often unable to stop doing what destroys us or harms us?

Other alternatives of a playful nature

• Eurydice writes a letter to Orpheus as she watches him walk away — what does she write? Draft the letter.

• In separate groups, discuss the prompt: Orpheus does not look at Eurydice — what does she think of him then? Afterwards, in the plenary session, debate how the opinions of others influence our decisions.