How do human comparisons to large animals in stories reflect human nature?

Often, humans are compared to lions in stories. Lions represent strength and courage, and humans might be described as having 'the heart of a lion' to show their bravery. Another common one is the comparison to elephants. Elephants are seen as wise and gentle giants, so a person could be said to have the 'patience of an elephant'.

Human sex stories can display our creativity. Some cultures have elaborate sexual myths and stories that involve unique sexual practices or relationships. This creativity in storytelling about sex can be seen as a way of exploring different aspects of our nature, from the physical to the spiritual.

Domination stories often show that humans have an inherent desire for power. For example, in stories where a character rises to dominate others, it reflects how some people are driven by ambition. In 'Macbeth', Macbeth's thirst for power and domination over the kingdom leads him to commit heinous acts. This shows that the allure of domination can override moral and ethical boundaries in human nature.

Candaulism stories can also speak to the idea of power dynamics. The king in the original story had power over his wife and used it in a wrong way. He thought he could control who saw her and how she was perceived. This shows how power can be misused in relationships, whether it's a relationship between a man and a woman or in a more general social context. It makes us think about how we should respect others' autonomy and not use our power to violate their rights.

Man against nature stories reflect human nature in multiple ways. Take 'Robinson Crusoe' for instance. His efforts to build a new life on the island despite the hardships show his adaptability. Also, the fear and respect for nature that characters in these stories exhibit are part of human nature. We are both in awe of nature's power and yet determined to make our mark. These stories also show our creativity in finding ways to survive against nature's challenges, like how Crusoe makes tools from the resources around him.

Inbred family stories can be a mirror of human nature in several ways. Firstly, it reveals our tendency to stick to the familiar. Inbred families often stay within their own small family group for mating because it's what they know. Secondly, it shows how we can be blind to potential harm. The members of inbred families may not fully understand or may choose to ignore the genetic risks they are exposing themselves and their descendants to. This can also be related to our capacity for denial. We sometimes deny the obvious negative consequences in order to maintain a certain way of life or family structure. Additionally, it can show how human nature can be influenced by social and cultural factors. In some cultures or communities, inbreeding may be more tolerated or even encouraged, which shows how our behavior is shaped by the society we live in.

They reflect human nature through the animals' behaviors. For example, the jealousies and rivalries among the animals can be seen as a mirror of human relationships.

Apocalyptic horror stories often show the extremes of human nature. In these situations, some people become selfish and will do anything to survive, like hoarding resources. For example, in 'The Day of the Triffids', some characters are only concerned with their own safety. But others show great kindness and self - sacrifice. In 'The Stand', there are characters who risk their lives to help others in the post - apocalyptic world. It shows that in the face of the end, human nature can be both dark and light.

In addition, cyborg novels can show our desire for power and improvement. People in these novels might get cybernetic enhancements to gain an edge, whether it's physical strength or mental capabilities. This reflects how in real life, we're always looking for ways to better ourselves, whether through education or technology. However, these novels also warn about the potential consequences of going too far in the pursuit of improvement, such as losing our sense of self or creating a society divided between the enhanced and the non - enhanced.

They show our struggle with control. We all want to believe we have free will, but in fate vs free will stories, characters often find that there are forces beyond their control. It reflects our own fear of the unknown and lack of complete control in life.