Thursday, 9 July 2009

Bart and Lisa Illustration

I'm preparing a session for a Pathfinder camp (11-14 year old). In so doing, I've made an interesting discovery that may be of use to others involved in camps. Bart and Lisa Simpson are excellent parallels for the Parable of the Prodigal Son (or Parable of the Two Sons, since it's probably about the second son more than the first, progidal one.)

Bart is the first son - the one who wants to go off and do his own thing. He lives to please himself. Lisa is the second 'son' - who is a whining goody-two-shoes and wants her own efforts to be recognised. She would probably react the same way as the second son in the same situation. Both would receive a warm welcome from their mother, Marge. But I can imagine Lisa refusing that begrudging that love when it is extended to others less worthy. It's a useful angle, I think (although you may soon tell me otherwise). ANyway, I'm going to do a session along those lines and I just thought some of you might be interested.

4 comments:

ros said...

Do 11-14 year olds watch the Simpsons? I thought it was mainly middle-aged men.

matthewmason said...

ouch!

Anonymous said...

That is an astute observation from Ros and I suspect she is right.

Tom

James Cary said...

Good question, Ros!

11-14 do watch the Simpsons - because it's not a children's programme. It was conceived as a show for middle-aged men (written by a middle-aged man) and for me, the show is undoubtedly about Homer Simpson, not Bart, although it started out being about Bart (hence the singles that were released like Do the Bart Man). It began life as an animated segment in the Tracey Ullman Show on prime time Fox. And the show just grew and grew and grew...

A few years ago, Channel 4 did a 100 Best Children's Programmes - and number 1 was The Simpsons, which made me cross as it isn't a Children's programmes.

The other good thing about it is that it's common ground between leaders and kids. When adults my age start talking about things that a just for children, it can sound a bit forced or pathetic. Anyway, we'll soon find out...