Kiki's Delivery Service
Luvia Herrera
Professor Todd Moffett
English 231
11 March 2013
Journey to Adulthood
In the works “The Odyssey of Homer” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, by Homer and Hayao Miyazaki , both Telemachos and Kiki go through a journey where they must transform from adolescents to adults, in a coming of age type of story. These two characters are portrayed by their creators as brave and determined individuals, which helps them along their path. As we go along with both of these characters from “The Odyssey of Homer” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service” we see that although their paths are very difficult, these two characters choose not to fall into conformity as the others around them have done. Through their development and their journey, both of these characters, let us know that no matter how difficult the journey might be, we can achieve it if we truly work hard.
Both of these stories have similar ideas throughout such as the characters’ personalities, the forcing events pushing them to make their transition into adulthood, some obstacles the characters must face, as well as a guide to help make sure these heroes succeed. Both characters are shown as young and naïve people who are rather too young to go away from home. The major forcing events that are pushing these characters is the lack of knowledge. Lack of knowledge of what Kiki truly wants for herself, figuring out who she truly is, and what her motive for flying is. Lack of knowledge of what happened to Telemachos’ father, Odysseus, and his whereabouts. With this pushing force, a challenge must also arise.
For Kiki, that challenge is losing her powers due to not knowing who she truly is or believing in herself. Telemachos also faces a challenge, although different, he has to deal with finding his father quickly all while making sure his mother and castle are safe from the intruders. Even though most likely our heroes would be able to go along their path by themselves, they are giving an aid. For Kiki, that aid
Professor Todd Moffett
English 231
11 March 2013
Journey to Adulthood
In the works “The Odyssey of Homer” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, by Homer and Hayao Miyazaki , both Telemachos and Kiki go through a journey where they must transform from adolescents to adults, in a coming of age type of story. These two characters are portrayed by their creators as brave and determined individuals, which helps them along their path. As we go along with both of these characters from “The Odyssey of Homer” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service” we see that although their paths are very difficult, these two characters choose not to fall into conformity as the others around them have done. Through their development and their journey, both of these characters, let us know that no matter how difficult the journey might be, we can achieve it if we truly work hard.
Both of these stories have similar ideas throughout such as the characters’ personalities, the forcing events pushing them to make their transition into adulthood, some obstacles the characters must face, as well as a guide to help make sure these heroes succeed. Both characters are shown as young and naïve people who are rather too young to go away from home. The major forcing events that are pushing these characters is the lack of knowledge. Lack of knowledge of what Kiki truly wants for herself, figuring out who she truly is, and what her motive for flying is. Lack of knowledge of what happened to Telemachos’ father, Odysseus, and his whereabouts. With this pushing force, a challenge must also arise.
For Kiki, that challenge is losing her powers due to not knowing who she truly is or believing in herself. Telemachos also faces a challenge, although different, he has to deal with finding his father quickly all while making sure his mother and castle are safe from the intruders. Even though most likely our heroes would be able to go along their path by themselves, they are giving an aid. For Kiki, that aid
Cited: Kiki’s Delivery Service. Dir. Hayao Miyazaki. Perf. Lisa Michelson, Kerrigan Mahan, Edie Mirman, Eddie Frierson. Buena Vista Pictures, 1989. DVD. Homer. The Odyssey of Homer. Trans. Richmond Lattimore. New York: Harper & Row, 1967. Print.