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Final Essay

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Ashley Rubin 

May 9, 2024

Pressman 

ECL 305 

Reflections of Vanity: From Myth to Modernity

The phenomenon of selfies serves as an example of the continuation of a focus on female beauty and vanity. The article Displays of Vanity on Instagram by Marije Peute and Annemarije Rus explains this cultural obsession with self-image reflection on a broader crisis in understanding the meaning and implications of vanity in the digital age, where platforms like social media have reshaped perceptions of beauty and self-worth. By examining the symbolism of vanity drawn from Christian beliefs, particularly in the portrayal of mermaids in mythology as depicted in the stories Ti Jeanne and Melusine, the continual cultural beliefs of beauty standards can be understood. 

The story Ti Jeanne from the Penguin Book of Mermaids presents ways vanity has been shown through mythical stories. The story originates from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago and African descent. The story revolves around Ti Jeanne, who in a moment of solitude indulges in the seemingly harmless act of admiring her reflection in the water. However, her actions attract the attention of Maman Dlo, who scolds Ti Jeanne for her vanity. “‘Vanity, vanity, my child,’ said Maman Dlo, who was now fully seven feet erect on her snake body, swaying from side to side. ‘Looking at yourself in the water’s reflection. But beautiful you are, ssssssso beautiful! Mmh, mmh!” (Penguin, 276). Maman Dlo admires Ti Jeanne’s beauty but does not think she has the right to admire it herself. In many stories, mermaids are depicted as creatures obsessed with their beauty, spending amounts of time gazing at themselves in mirrors. The water acts as the mirror in this story, a common symbol of vanity. Ti Jeanne admiring herself is presented as a negative in this tale, implying that vanity is bad for women.  

The story Melusine descends from French writer Jean d’Arras. The story is believed to take place in either Europe or Scotland. Melusine tells the tale of a mysterious woman named Melusine who marries a mortal man, Raymond. Melusine, however, harbors a secret of being a shape-shifting water spirit with a serpent tail. She makes Raymond promise never to intrude upon her privacy on Saturdays, but eventually, he succumbs to curiosity and spies on her leading to him discovering her true form. As a result, Melusine is forced to leave him and their children. When Raymond spies on Melusine she is pictured in a bathtub holding a mirror. Melusine had been taking her one day alone to appreciate herself and her beauty. Vanity is displayed differently in this story compared to the story of Ti Jeanne. The presentation of vanity is less apparent in Melusine’s story, but it is there. Melusine’s transformation into a serpent-like creature on Saturdays and insistence on privacy during that time can be interpreted as a form of vanity or a desire to maintain a certain image or identity. Her transformation suggests a fear of being seen in her true form, indicating a preoccupation with appearance and maintaining a facade of normalcy. This idea and the presentation of her admiring her appearance explain the vanity apparent in the story. 

Selfies play a large role in society today due to the presence of social media which has created new beauty standards. The article Displays of Vanity on Instagram by Marije Peute and Annemarije Rus explains this cultural obsession with self-image reflection. The article explains how selfies have become extremely popular on social media, but there are negative aspects to sharing these photos. Selfies can often be seen as vain or self-indulgent rather than an appreciation of one’s beauty. The article states “Vanity is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as ‘the personal characteristic of being too proud of and interested in yourself, esp. in your appearance or achievements.” The definition of vanity implies that it is a negative thing to appreciate oneself and that it could relate to self-obsession and less consideration for others. This can directly be tied to the themes presented in Ti Jeanne and Melusine. 

The negative connotations associated with vanity are prominently highlighted in Displays of Vanity on Instagram and the tales of Ti Jeanne and Melusine. The symbolism of vanity in mermaids traces back to the teachings of the Christian Church, where vanity is portrayed as a sinful trait. Mermaids in stories often wield objects like mirrors to symbolize their vanity which directly links to the sin of pride, one of the seven deadly sins in the Christian Church. These ancient beliefs have had a lasting impact on how vanity is perceived in society today. These negative associations have influenced societal attitudes towards self-love and self-expression. In both the stories of Melusine and Ti Jeanne, the presence of mirrors serves as a representation of vanity, reinforcing the narrative’s themes. In contemporary culture, selfies have emerged as a modern manifestation of vanity, with the camera itself becoming a symbol of self-admiration and narcissism. The enduring symbolism of vanity in mythology, literature, and modern media underscores the complex interaction between cultural norms, religious beliefs, and individual expression. Presentation and historical background are credited for the current beliefs around vanity. While it might not be all people who believe that selfies and self-love are negative, it is a common belief due to the background of the trait. 

The historical background of vanity in mermaids connects it to human beings, specifically women. Vanity is not only something that comes with negative connotations but also comes with literal consequences. Ti Jeanne’s story results in her being turned into a snake because of her self-admiration. By transforming Ti Jeanne into a mermaid/snake, the story draws a parallel between her actions and the archetype of the vain mermaid, suggesting that her preoccupation with her appearance aligns her with mermaids. This compares to modern-day society through hate comments on social media. When human beings display vanity on social media the punishment can be hateful comments on the post or behind an individual’s back. Once again, this consequence derives from the historical context of vanity. Many people post selfies in an attempt to gain validation from others as explained by Marije Peute and Annemarije Rus. While sometimes posting a selfie is met with the validation of positive comments, other times it is met with hate which can hurt an individual’s self-confidence and love even more. The consequences of vanity are also apparent in Melusine’s story. While she was simply trying to take one day of the week to herself to be alone and appreciate her beauty and true self, she was ultimately punished for it. When Raymond breaks his promise and invades her privacy, Melusine is the one who has to leave her life behind. This relates to vanity as it implies that a woman taking time to herself to admire, appreciate, and relish in her beauty is something that needs to be punished. Selfies are simply the modern-day portrayal of vanity and its consequences can be directly related to past myths of female vanity. 

Perceptions of beauty and how it should be displayed have always been taught through a form of media. Beginning with literature and mythical tales, Melusine and Ti Jeanne display that beauty should not be flaunted or appreciated by women themselves. Shifting into the digital age, social media posts dictate how much beauty should be shared with the public. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have become modern-day canvases where individuals showcase their idealized versions of beauty to an audience. However, this digital era has brought forth new pressures surrounding beauty standards. Influencers and celebrities often set unrealistic beauty standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy among those who perceive themselves as falling short. The relentless pursuit of perfection can perpetuate harmful beauty ideals, creating a culture of comparison and self-doubt. While social media offers a platform for self-expression and creativity, it also poses challenges in navigating the fine line between empowerment and exploitation in the pursuit of beauty. When those who fit the beauty standards share selfies they are often praised for their confidence and looks. On the other hand, when those who might not fit the ideal beauty standards of today’s society post selfies they are criticized and labeled as vain. The study conducted in Displays of Vanity on Instagram proves these feelings that women are experiencing. “Marije considers herself vain in certain respects, loving beautiful clothing and receiving validation from others, which she considers a human need. However, she denounces a striving for ‘perfection’. She takes only a few selfies,” (Peute et Rus, 17). This quote explains how vanity and selfies relate to one another and beauty standards. The subject of the study believes that she is not completely vain because she only takes “a few selfies”. This implies that those who share more photos of themselves online are extremely vain and seeking validation from others. This can cause harm to the younger generations beginning to use social media. Rather than being a form of self-expression and appreciation, sharing selfies on social media has become something that is seen to be only for validation and a feeling of vanity. 

The portrayal of beauty has navigated diverse mediums from ancient literature to modern-day social media. The narratives of Melusine and Ti Jeanne underscored societal expectations dictating how beauty should be perceived and displayed, emphasizing modesty and reservation while also implying that vanity is unfavorable. However, the emergence of digital platforms has ushered in a new era where users have unprecedented control over their self-image and presentation of beauty. Amidst the opportunities for self-expression, social media has also intensified the pressures of conformity and perfection, creating unrealistic standards that can weaken self-esteem and mental well-being. Vanity is still the common factor in shaming women for their expression of beauty beginning in these mythical tales and continuing to modern-day society. The negative perceptions of women expressing their beauty have been blamed on the beliefs of the Christian Church that appointed vanity as a sin. Ultimately, the evolution of beauty through media underscores the enduring search for acceptance and validation, reminding us of the profound complexities inherent in the human experience.

Works Cited 

Bacchilega, Cristina, and Marie Alohalani Brown. The Penguin Book of Mermaids. Penguin Books, 2019. 

Peute, Marije, and Annemarije Rus. “Displays of Vanity on Instagram: A Reflection on the Making of Instaworthy.” Etnofoor, vol. 33, no. 1, 2021, pp. 11–20. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/27034456. Accessed 7 May 2024.

Conclusion

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I have learned a variety of lessons and information from the ECL 305 course! When we first began this class I was not expecting to be learning about different mermaid tales each week. While it has been fun learning about these mythical creatures, I have also taken away many skills from this course. I am now much more confident in my close reading skills, essay writing, and thesis writing skills. The prompt of what, why, and how to write a thesis is something that I will always remember while writing it in the future. I have seen an immense improvement in my ability to close read since the beginning of the semester. I used to get confused while reading the passages and I can now analyze and understand the deeper meanings. I have also improved my speaking skills through this class. I am usually not the type to raise my hand in classes but this class brought that out of me. I have been able to express my thoughts and gain feedback which has been very helpful for me in not only this class but also other aspects of my life. Overall I really enjoyed this course and have learned a lot. I have made friends, learned real-life lessons, and learned academic skills that I will carry out through the rest of my time as a student.

Thesis Proposal

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Thesis: The chapter “Freak Shows and Fantasies” from Merpeople: A Human History by Vaughn Scribner explains how mermaids can be interpreted as symbolic representations of genuine human prejudices. This chapter connects the similarities between human prejudices and cultural narratives of mythical creatures shown through different cultures and periods through “Ti Jeanne” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. Mythical stories about fantasy creatures such as mermaids offer a paradigm for understanding a culture’s treatment of those deemed “other” and draw parallels for thinking about the mistreatment of human minorities as non-human or less than human.

Week 15: We are Mermaids

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The poem “We Are Mermaids” was very interesting to me. I found the writing to be beautiful and believe there can be multiple interpretations of it. I interpreted the poem as being written from a mermaid’s perspective but also think this could be compared to the perspective of human life. The descriptive language of the ocean such as “the salt of the ocean is always the salt of tears”, “we know the consistent waves”, and “to nose along the floor of the rough world” all explain how the ocean is home to mermaids. The salt of the ocean being compared to tears shows that they feel every emotion in this home. This is where I can begin to compare this to human life. While humans do not reside in the ocean, home in real life is often a place where emotions are felt. Home does not have to be a physical house, but can be a place or person of comfort and feelings. The poem also refers to the mermaids as “both predators and prey” which I can also compare to human beings. Each person in the world plays a different role in other people’s lives. In some stories, people can be villains, disliked, or negative while in someone else’s story that same person could be a hero, liked, or a positive. This is similar to how mermaids are depicted differently in different stories. In some stories, mermaids are seen as beautiful creatures who do no harm while in others they might be villainous and evil. The poem ends by saying “Some of us are going to be okay”. This is another aspect that is apparent in both myth and real life. Life is unpredictable and there is no guarantee whether or not a persons life will work out the way they want it to. I liked that the poem said “some” and not “all” because of this lack of guarantee. Comparing mythical stories to human life in this poem is very powerful. The poem teaches valuable lessons for humanity while also telling the tales of mythical creatures and how they can be depicted differently.

Ti Jeanne – Vanity

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The story of Ti Jeanne brings us back to the ideas and beliefs around vanity. Ti Jeanne’s story serves as an exploration of the themes surrounding vanity and its consequences. The story revolves around Ti Jeanne, who in a moment of solitude indulges in the seemingly harmless act of admiring her reflection in the water. However, her actions attract the attention of Maman Dlo, who scolds Ti Jeanne for her vanity. “‘Vanity, vanity, my child,’ said Maman Dlo, who was now fully seven feet erect on her snakebody, swaying from side to side. ‘Looking at yourself in the water’s reflection. But beautiful you are, ssssssso beautiful! Mmh, mmh!” (Penguin, 276). Maman Dlo admires Ti Jeanne’s beauty but does not think she has the right to admire it herself. In many stories, mermaids are depicted as creatures obsessed with their beauty, spending amounts of time gazing at themselves in mirrors or water reflections. By transforming Ti Jeanne into a mermaid, the story draws a parallel between her actions and the archetype of the vain mermaid, suggesting that her preoccupation with her appearance aligns her with mermaids. This story also highlights the interconnectedness between human nature and merpeople. The connection of Ti Jeanne’s actions to a characteristic commonly associated with mermaids creates a blur of the boundary between humans and mythical creatures. This idea suggests that human behaviors and traits can take on those of mythical stories. Vanity is a trait that is often seen as a negative. It is often associated with not only mermaids but also women in general. Placing a negative connotation with looking at oneself should not only be told through the tales of women. This creates a negative narrative around women loving themselves and their appearance. Tales of men and mermen admiring themselves are not often told because they do not have the same connotations, similar to how in present-day society women are ridiculed for enjoying their appearance while men are not.

Discovery – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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Ashley Rubin 

14 April 2024

Discovery

Pressman

https://www.google.com/search?q=harry+potter+mermaid+scene&oq=harry+potter+mermaid+scen&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgAEEUYOxiABDIJCAAQRRg7GIAEMgYIARBFGEAyBggCEEUYOTIGCAMQRRg7MggIBBAAGBYYHjINCAUQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAYQABiGAxiABBiKBagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:34f5d935,vid:QSqNJVR8blE,st:0

The mermaid scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire displays the main character Harry Potter feeling fearful of the mermaids and then shifts to the mermaids being fearful of the sharks. This creates a connection between humans and merpeople by displaying the emotion of fear through both species. Creating a similarity between the species upholds the idea that people are not so different from mermaids as both species experience emotion. This idea proves that the boundaries between humans and oceanic life have been created by mankind from a place of fear. These boundaries can be broken by connecting humans with nature through further discovery and research of the ocean. 

The scene begins with Harry Potter jumping into the depths of the lake to complete the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. As he is swimming he encounters a group of mermaids, a creature he has never seen before. The sight of these mermaids wielding spears fills Harry with fear. It is a fear born of the unknown as he doesn’t understand their intentions or capabilities, and the threat they pose adds to his sense of vulnerability. Just as Harry fears for his safety in the presence of these beings, the mermaids in turn react with fear when a shark suddenly appears. The group instantly swims away as they are now in fear for their life and want to escape the potential danger. The mermaids’ reaction to the shark mirrors Harry’s initial fear, emphasizing the unpredictability of the underwater environment and the instinctual response to perceived threats. 

The importance of both Harry Potter and the mermaids experiencing fear in this scene lies in the fact that the species are more similar than different. When Harry initially encounters the mermaids he is experiencing fear not only because his life is being threatened, but also because it is being threatened by an unknown species. Harry does not know much about these creatures, which leaves him questioning what they are capable of. When the scene shifts and shows the mermaids also experiencing fear the creatures are humanized, creating a similarity with Harry. Both species are trying to survive in this circumstance. While they differ in the fact that the mermaids tried to harm Harry and he had just been completing a task for the tournament, they have the same end goal which is to make it out alive. Humans see unknown creatures, especially those of the ocean, as a threat due to their potential to inflict harm. The lack of knowledge surrounding these creatures is what poses them as a threat. This scene specifically shows the mermaids threatening Harry but it could have been out of fear that he would harm them. Mermaids are shown to experience the same feelings as humans in terms of the unknown. Just as Harry did not know their capabilities, they did not know his nor the sharks. Their initial instinct with Harry was to defend their own lives and when a more apparent threat showed up, they chose to leave. This feeling of fear is what makes these species so similar. By portraying fear as a common thread that connects disparate beings there is an emphasis on the similarities between individuals, regardless of their species or background. Both species are trying to survive in this circumstance and experience the same feeling of fear. 

The similarities created between these species serve as a powerful commentary on the artificial boundaries that humans have created between themselves and the natural world, particularly the underwater world. The fear experienced by Harry and the mermaids underscores how these boundaries have been shaped by human perception and apprehension, rather than inherent differences between species. This prompts a deeper reflection on the origins of these boundaries and the potential for breaking them through greater understanding and connection with the ocean. Only around 5 percent of the ocean has been explored by the human species. This lack of knowledge and understanding creates a sense of mystery surrounding the water, leading to boundaries between life on land and life in water. As humans evolve in advancements of technology and scientific research there is great potential to break these boundaries down and create a world where we live in harmony with nature. Through initiatives such as marine conservation efforts, educational programs, and ecotourism, humans can create a deeper sense of connection with the ocean and its inhabitants, leading to empathy and respect for marine life. While it might not involve the discovery of mermaids, the understanding of the ocean can allow for a healthier environment and appreciation for the water which takes up 71 percent of the Earth. The fear of the ocean by mankind has stemmed from the lack of discovery. Humankind has been capable of exploring space for years due to the amount of money and effort that has been put into research. While there might still be technological advancements to be made before the ocean can fully be explored, there should be a more consistent effort put into these explorations. There is technology that is capable of exploring deep depths of water and it should be prioritized. Due to the current climate crisis, it is important to emphasize understanding the ocean and the impact these waters have made on humans along with the impacts humans have made on these waters. Putting the fear of the unknown aside here is extremely important to understand both history and the current state of planet Earth. 

The mermaid scene in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, particularly the ocean. The shared experience of fear portrayed by both Harry Potter and the mermaids highlights the similarities between species, challenging the artificial boundaries that humans have imposed between themselves and marine life. While only a fraction of the ocean has been explored, there is potential for humanity to break down these barriers through technological advancements and concerted efforts in research. In the face of the current climate crisis, prioritizing the exploration and understanding of the ocean is important. By overcoming the fear of the unknown and embracing curiosity, humanity can uncover the mysteries of the ocean and create a harmonious relationship with the natural world. This discovery is not only essential for the preservation of our planet but also for our understanding of history. 

The Water Will Carry Us Home

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The stop-motion film, The Water Will Carry Us Home, showed me how the ocean is looked at and appreciated differently by different cultures. The film shows us how there is a long history of black mermaids which is not talked about often in modern culture. As mentioned in the description, the film tells the story of stolen Africans being thrown off a ship whilst sailing through the Middle Passage. They were then saved by the presence of Yoruba Orishas dwelling in the water. This shows how the ocean is not just a scary unknown place throughout history but also a saving grace for some cultures. While the stolen passengers might have been scared when they fell into the water, it was the creatures who resided in it who saved them. This led to an appreciation of the ocean for this culture that is still apparent today, as seen in the ending scene of the film. People are able to connect with the water in their own ways and have a strong appreciation for what it does. This brings me to the idea that each individual person is capable of creating their own relationship with the ocean. With the current climate crisis it is easy to take a step back and assume that “professionals” will handle healing our environment. If each individual person in this world can build a relationship and appreciation for the ocean, we can heal our environment faster as well as discover more about the unknown waters. When we as people take a step back and realize that the ocean is not so scary we can end the boundary that we have created between it.

Week 11: Sirenomelia

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After viewing this video I was honestly left slightly confused but also interested. Analyzing the video led me to realize that it exemplifies how humans tend to only look at the surface and not dive into “the deep” or what is below the surface. While there is a lot to explore on the surface, as seen through the mountain ranges and roads, there is so much below the surface that humans have not yet discovered. The mermaid in the video represents this unknown world. Through developing technology and investing in research humans can learn so much about the ocean and what life is like below the surface. Whether it is because of fear, disinterest, or lack of technology, humans have not put the effort into learning about the ocean as they have in learning about space and all things above the surface. The mermaid in the video is seen swimming through a river and looking up at a bridge. They are looking at manmade items and connecting themselves to the human world. The camera angle of the mermaid looking up represents their interest in the human world. If humans would look down, we would be much more connected to what makes up over 70% of the Earth, the Ocean.

The Ocean Reader: Theory, Culture, Politics

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Eric Paul Roorda’s introduction from “The Ocean Reader: Theory, Culture, Politics” provides further explanation of the idea of boundaries and human’s impact on nature. Roorda explains how while each ocean of the world is different in terms of depth, temperature, etc., they are all interconnected. He says how each of the Seven Seas shares the same currents and H2O molecules, technically meaning there is one large ocean. This brought me back to the idea of boundaries and what they really mean. A boundary marks the limit of an area, meaning the boundaries of each sea are just separating a specific spot of this one big ocean. These boundaries do depend on environmental factors of the seas themselves but have been created by human beings. Humans are the ones who have decided where the seas should be separated and why that decision was made. This relates to the idea that everything on our planet is created by mankind. While people did not decide what nature looks like and how it acts, they have decided where the boundaries of nature exist.

Humans have also decided where the boundaries of how we interact with the ocean are. There has been a long fear of the ocean due to how much of it is undiscovered. As explained in the reading, humans have not yet colonized the ocean. Humans might not live in the water yet but have found ways to live with it. The creation of watersports such as surfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding allows people to break the boundary between land and the ocean. People are able to use the ocean for entertainment and exercise and live in harmony with the ocean that was so often feared in the past. I am interested to see how the future will change these boundaries with the ocean. Through further exploration and discovery, the ocean could hold an even larger role in human life.

Week 9: The Emergence of Environmental Humanities

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It was interesting to learn in this week’s reading that the environmental humanities did not emerge until the 1970s and 1980s. The field is one that I personally find a lot of interest in and believe has assisted in many other fields of study and discoveries. “The environmental humanities has become a global intellectual movement that reconceives the relationship between scientific and technical disciplines and the humanities, which are essential to understanding and resolving dilemmas that have been created by industrial society” (Emmett, Nye, 4). This quote from the reading helps explain that point. Throughout time historians and researchers have used the humanities to assist in scientific discoveries. Art and literature play a big role in understanding history and are essential to learning about the past. This leads me to agree with the suggestion by arts and design advocates to shift the term STEM to the term STEAM. The arts contribute so much to science, technology, mathematics, and engineering and deserve to be appreciated and studied just as much. Without the arts, there would be much more unknown about history and the development of society. I believe that many of the progressions we have made as a society are credited to the arts and humanities which further surprises me that the environmental humanities were discovered so recently.

The reading also focuses on the term “resilience” and the idea of equilibrium. There are opposing opinions about whether or not resilience is a good argument and method for a sustainable environment. Resilience “suggests that a healthy ecological system is self-regulating and is able to adapt to external challenges within certain limits. A system, rather than being a balanced arrangement that has persisted for millennia, is always in a process of change” (Emmett, Nye, 20). This idea can be compared to the readings on Wilderness from last week. We spoke about the idea of humans living in balance with nature to create a healthier planet and ecosystem. This raises the question of whether or not we can live in balance with nature as people and if that would lead to more resilient ecosystems. The environmental crisis is important to address and I think the connection of “The Emergence of Environmental Humanities” with “The Trouble With Wilderness” can help us better understand it.