From the story of "Phaethon, Son of Apollo" Pretend you are Clymene, Phaethon’s mother. Write a letter to boys your age persuading them not to have the same fate as Phaethon (punished for having too much pride). Use at least two details/examples from the myth to support your answer
My Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, as I sit here, my heart heavy with sorrow and regret, I feel compelled to share with you a cautionary tale of my beloved son, Phaethon, in the hopes that you may learn from his unfortunate fate. Let his story serve as a reminder that excessive pride can lead to unimaginable consequences.
Phaethon, my sweet child, was a boy just like you, full of dreams and aspirations. He longed to prove himself, to leave a mark on the world, to be praised and admired by all. His ambitions were noble, indeed, and they were rooted in the blood of his father, the mighty Apollo, the god of sun.
However, it was this very pride that brought about his downfall. Phaethon, driven by his desire for recognition and greatness, made a reckless decision that caused chaos and destruction. He insisted on driving his father's chariot, which guided the blazing sun across the sky, and in doing so, he let his pride cloud his judgment.
Oh, my dear friends, let me share with you the consequences of Phaethon's arrogance. As he took hold of the reins and soared through the heavens, the world witnessed chaos like never before. The chariot veered off its intended path, scorching the earth, drying up rivers, and causing immense destruction. The whole world quivered under the wrath of his misjudgment.
Firstly, let this be a lesson in understanding the limits of our abilities. We must never let pride blind us to our shortcomings. Phaethon, in his unprecedented audacity, believed he could accomplish anything without regard for the necessary skills and experience. We must realize that it is through patience, perseverance, and acquiring knowledge that we may achieve our goals.
Secondly, humility is a virtue that should be embraced. Phaethon's pride prevented him from seeking advice and guidance from wiser figures who could have steered him in the right direction. We must be open to the wisdom of others, for there is always someone who has walked the path before us and can offer valuable insights.
My dear friends, we must not emulate the fate of Phaethon. We should always strive to balance our ambitions with humility, recognizing our strengths and limitations. Let us learn from his story, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive pride that can lead to tragic consequences. Instead, let us embody values such as modesty, wisdom, and respect for the boundaries set by nature and society.
May you steer your own chariots with grace and wisdom, embracing humility and always seeking the counsel of those wiser than you. Remember Phaethon's story, my friends, for it serves as a timeless reminder that pride will ultimately lead us down a treacherous path.
With warm wishes,
Clymene