‘THE BATTLEFIELD’ by Rhea Ardeshir

Thesis Abstract:

My thesis explores the stylistic virtuosity that is inherent in the tension between good and evil. Considering humans are complex beings and don’t fit into strict definitions of good or evil, they form fascinating personas that I intend to bring out through dramatization.

There’s an old tale where an old Cherokee told his grandson “My son, there is a battle between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.’ The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?’ The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’ This is such a lovely story: so simple and yet so true. I think each and every one of us has these two wolves running around inside us. The Evil wolf or the Good Wolf is fed daily by the choices we make with our thoughts. What you think about and dwell upon will in a sense appear in your life and influence your behavior. We have a choice, feed the Good Wolf and it will show up in our character, habits and behavior positively. Or feed the Evil Wolf and our whole world will turn negative: like poison, this will slowly eat away at our soul. The crucial question is “Which are you feeding today”? My thesis explores the stylistic virtuosity that is inherent in tension between good and evil. Considering humans are complex beings and don’t fit into strict definitions of good or evil, they form fascinating personas that I intend to bring out through dramatization.