Axel Bellman, from Philip Pullman’s “Shadow in the North,” represents the visionary trait that Pisthetairos possesses. Axel is a character that was involved in creating a horrible weapon called the steam gun that operated on train tracks and looked like any other freight carriage except that it had 6,000 holes on both of its sides that shot out bullets like 12,000 machine guns would. His theory in creating such a horrible weapon was that in having such a weapon at a government’s disposal, the government could suppress any attempt at rebellion and keep the peace in their land. He believed that the gun didn’t necessarily have to be used, that its sole existence and the fear that it imposed on the people would be enough to keep order and peace. Axel envisioned an ideal society that would come about with the creation of the steam gun, just like Pisthetairos envisioned a city through his orders and commands.

In William Golding, “Lord of the Flies,” one of the main characters, Ralph, tries to take on leadership of their community and tries to maintain a sense of government/dignity in order to survive. Similarly, though in terms of different “survivals,” Ralph represents Pisthetairos’s cleverness in seeing a need and trying to fill in that need. Both in a sense are clever enough to see a way to keep themselves and others alive. Pisthetairos, under the threat of the birds, pushes himself to think of an impressive lie or plan to tell the birds to preserve his and Euelpides’s lives. On the other hand, Ralph was genuinely trying to create a structure of some kind on the island or a stability in order for them to survive; he never lied.

In John Steinbeck’s, “Of Mice and Men,” George is a simple man, with simple dreams of peace and a smooth life with no troubles to worry about. He dreams of a nice little house that is comfortable and simple, and knows that if he ever gets that he would be happy forevermore. Similarly, Pisthetairos starts out being a common man, wanting such a simple life that is full of friends and simplicity, with no troubles to worry about.

In short, three traits combined: Axel Bellman represents Pisthetairo’s visionary nature, since he had a vision. Ralph saw the possible danger that disorder could have on the island and thus he tried to gain leadership to create a stable community, similar to Pisthetaitors’s idea of creating Cuckooland. Furthermore, Pisthetairo did have his “humble” beginning and he like George wanted a simple life free from worries and troubles.

Posted at Jul 05/2007 01:12AM:
Al: Ooh, I've never read Shadow of the North -- it looks interesting; have you ever seen Dr. Strangelove: Or How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb? - the idea of weapons of mass destruction, which must paradoxically be designed perfectly to be used for a use never planned. Great examples!