Michelle Santos, Hannah Steiner, and Jordan Morgan

The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son Parable Synopsis

The son of a wealthy man is denied a share of his father's estate so he goes off and lives in a farway land. He recklessly spends his money and doesn't have a care in the world. A famine takes over the land and he is forced to start working. The father is so proud of him that it is a cause for celebration and the father and son reunite.

(from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible)

The Journey of the Prodigal Son

Travels the world

Wastes money

Womanizer

Father is disappointed but mother still loves him

Continues being reckless

Drastic change that causes son's change of

heart

Son begins to get better

Son gains back his senses

Father and son reunites or the

son dies

Son of wealthy father grows up

Example #1: Ariel from The Little Mermaid

    Ariel may not be a man but she is still fits the prodigal son archetype. Ariel is a reckless mermaid who goes off on an adventure. All she dreams about is walking on land. She disobeys her father by going to the evil sea-witch, Ursula, and sells her voice so that she can have legs. She walks on land and experiences new things, falls in love with a prince, and fianlly Ariel saves the day when disaster ensues. King Triton is proud of her and turns her into a human so she can live happily ever after.

Example #2: Faramir from Lord of the Rings

Faramir's situation as a prodigal son is slightly different from the normal examples. He grew up in the shadow of his favored brother and therefore was ultimately rejected by his father. Because of this, he went against all of his fathers wishes and led a battalion to protect a city his father had condemned to the uruk-hai. He was also reckless in his actions when he was in possession of the ring, though he sent it away for the betterment of Gondor after he realizes it is not the answer to his problems, which also angered his father. Because of his actions during the war, his father didn't recognize him as a son until he lay in a state of near death.

Example #3: Logan from Gilmore Girls

Logan Huntzberger comes from an incredibly weathly family. He has lived a privileged life, but has always clashed with his father. At Yale University he spends most of his days in a drunken stupor, parading around campus with his band of friends. He sleeps around until he meets a special girl. He starts becoming a better person, but after a while he begins a downward spiral. He ends up quitting his father's largely successful publishing company and severing all times with him.

Characteristics of the Prodigal Son• Comes from a wealthy family• Usually never works, or experiences hard labor• Sheltered upbringing• Loves to party and get with the ladies• Spends lots of money, usually his inheritence, on

things he doesn't need• Always earns father's scorn, and sometimes the

jealousy/hatred of younger brothers• Life changing journey in which his attitude is

changed• Upon returning home, he is forgiven by family

members, though sometimes brothers remain jealous and bring about his demise

Why Does the Prodigal Son Archetype Matter?

• Don't disrespect your family because they are what really matters most

• Don't take advantage of privledge• Hard work pays off