Joseph: The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

BLOG 2: Study the interactive Monomyth website: According to Campbell’s description, is Joseph an epic hero? Explain, using quotes from the Biblical text. (Remember that, for Campbell, an epic hero doesn’t have to fit every single one of these stages, just most of them.) What epic things does Joseph accomplish? How many lives are affected by his behavior and his choices? Think about Aristotle’s telos here. In Egypt, Joseph seems to be a “trust magnet.” Is this ability to attract trust a gift from God? How does Joseph use his gifts? Include an mage of Joseph from The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

1. During the reading from the Monomyth website: According to Campbell's description, Joseph is an epic hero. Joseph is an epic hero in many ways. Campbell's describes Joseph as an epic hero due to the many long and undergoing battles that he had to face to pass from everyday life to the adventuring world. Joseph is taken by his  brother and sold him to the Islimeetee's, better known as the Israelites for just twenty pieces of silver. The book of Genesis, chapter 37, verses 26-28, reads "Judah said to his brothers, what will we gain by killing our brother? We'd have to cover up the crime. Instead of hurting him let's sell him to those Ishmaelite traitors. After all he is our brother, our own flesh and blood!" The brothers then agreed. Furthermore in Campbell's description, he states that a hero is to be accompanied on a journey by a helper who assists him and generally serves as a companion. This is stated in Genesis book 41 verse 12 of the story when Joseph meets a Hebrew. 

2. Joseph becomes a savior of Egypt by interpreting the Pharos dream of the upcoming famine which prevents the events.

3. Joseph behavior affects all the living in Egypt. 

4. Joseph has the ability to attract trust from God, which is a gift from above.

5. God gave Joseph this ability because he knew that he could always rely on him.