Orpheus Comparison Essay Example

he was a terrible artist so he must have been a legend.

Using his abilities he created one of the largest selling albums of all time and broke numerous records relating to popular music (cite. Even after his death, his music still survived and continues to fascinate and inspire those who listen. His grandmother, Crystal Jackson, said that even at a young age he possessed such a beautiful voice, and delighted everyone who listened to him (cite. ) Not only did they both have exceptional musical talents, but they also were caring and selfless to others in need. To have fame and talent does not mean the person will be selfish and full of themselves.

Michael Jackson and Orpheus are proof that by using their talents they can achieve much more for others in return. Orpheus was always caught up in situations where he had to help others. He always took the time to help others who requested his assistance. On the expedition of the Argonauts, he was the main reason why they were able to survive the expedition. During the voyage he helped the Argonauts by charming the fish with his lyre for food during the long Journey. His most significant contribution was when he saved the Argonauts from the hypnotize Sirens.

As the Argon neared the island, Orpheus began to play his lyre and sang so loud that one could not hear the Sirens anymore, thus preventing the crew from eying seduced into a devastating shipwreck (cite. ) Even though he meant well, some of his missions did not turn out the way he planned. When he fell in love and miserable, he

decided to go to the underworld to bring her back. Once again, using his lyre and voice, he sang a plea to Hades. After listening to is beautiful, sorrowful voice, Hades wept and had no choice but to let Orpheus be reunited with Eurydice.

Hades also gave him one condition to follow. It was to not look back into the darkness of the underworld when leading Eurydice to the surface. Just as they were about to each the upper world, Orpheus looked back to make sure she was really behind him, and Eurydice disappeared back into the underworld, breaking the one condition with Hades. Though he had failed trying to save his one love, he had the unselfish intention of bringing her back from the netherworld (cite. ) Throughout his life, Michael Jackson also showed a streak of generosity.

He supported dozens of charities which included USA for Africa, Make-a-Wish foundation, and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS foundation. Michael Jackson was even reportedly listed in the 2000 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for 'Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star' (cite. ) Alongside Lionel Archie in 1985, Michael Jackson wrote the song "We Are the World. " The single alone raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa. He also created the Heal the World foundation in 1992 that provided medicine to children and fought world hunger, homelessness, child exploitation and abuse (cite. On the Victory tour, as the Jackson in 1984, Michael and his brothers toured around the United States and Canada. The tour included 55 concerts and approximately two million concert goers. The total revenue of the tour mounted to

a whopping 75 million dollars and became the then-largest grossing tour. As expected of Michaels benevolent nature, he donated all of the tour's proceeds to charity (cite. ) Not only were both Michael Jackson and Orpheus were selfless and helpful, but they also have experienced times of isolation and despair.

Life cannot always be picture perfect because essentially nothing and no one can be completely flawless in every aspect. Orpheus and Michael Jackson both had times when their lives were not so perfect. Shortly after returning from the underworld, Orpheus fell into a deep depression and secluded himself from everyone. He tried to enter the Underworld a second time to save Eurydice, but no one can enter the same way twice and he had no other way to enter. He wandered mindlessly around day and night as if he was trying to find an answer to his unfortunate trials.

There was no one to console him during his time of darkness. It was mainly because he shunned the presence of all who were around him. Michael Jackson also experiences this kind of isolation and depression during the course of his life. At first glance, Michael may seem blessed with many people who eve and worship him, but in reality even with all his fans, he still felt like the loneliest person on earth. He once said, "People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts.

It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me" (cite. ) Clearly he always felt

alone even with people around him. Many wanted to friends with him, but Michael always said that he is not sure if they want to be friends with Michael the star or Michael the person (cite. ) When people viewed him as a star, he said they reared him differently and it was hard to become close to those that did. He Just wanted people to treat him like everyone else, but it is hard when he is the 'King of experiences of loneliness and sorrow.

The musical prodigy Orpheus and the world famous Michael Jackson both possessed similar qualities of ministering musical skills, a strong sense of selflessness and benevolence, and suffered periods of isolation. They both discovered their musical proficiencies at a very young age and became well known for their many achievements with it. The musical legends both used their talents and efforts to help those in need. Orpheus helped save Argonauts from the sirens and tried to save his wife from the Underworld.

Michael Jackson was involved with numerous charities and gave most of his profits from concerts and music sales away to them. They also experienced times when they felt alone and helpless. Orpheus suffered shortly after he failed to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, from the Underworld while Michael always felt alone because people never saw him as a regular person. Life comes with several obstacles and triumphs that people experience all the time, but no matter how they deal with it they will always rise after the fall.