Philosophy of Cartoons, Aristotle and Coyote
Looney Tunes, Politics Book 1, Existential Hero, Sisyphus, Meaning
Sep 21, 2009
In Aristotle’s Politics Book 1 regarding his thoughts on an ideal city, he would also argue that Coyote is a slave to Roadrunner. As a result of this, Roadrunner is living the good life. The desire to eat Roadrunner renders Coyote as the slave.
“[a]ll men who differ from others as much as the body differs from the soul, or an animal from a man (and this is the case with all whose function is bodily service, and who produce their best when they supply such service)-all such are by nature slaves” (Aristotle).
This statement is essentially saying that slaves by nature are all body, but lack mind. Coyote is the slave, because he is in need of satisfying his bodily urges. He may not even be hungry, yet he cannot control his inhibitions. Roadrunner is not a slave by nature, because he uses his mind.
Aristotle also argues that the slave of society could not engage in civic life because his desires take hold of him. This holds true for Coyote as well. He is unable to live for any other reason than trying to satisfy his craving for Roadrunner.
Existentialism and Cartoons
Existentialism is also extremely prevalent in regards to many cartoons. In Roadrunner especially, there seems to be no real point to the cartoon, other than to see all the different ways that Wile E. Coyote can fail. All one would need to do is watch two episodes to understand the whole premise of the show. This holds true for many cartoons such as, Pinky and the Brain, The Sylvester and Tweety Show, Tom and Jerry, Itchy and Scratchy as well as pretty much any Looney Tunes, Tiny Toons, Mickey Mouse or Animaniacs episode.
As well, the lives of the characters lack true meaning in these examples. The Roadrunner will always outsmart the Coyote, and the Coyote will always chase the Roadrunner and always fail. The meaning in these character’s lives appears to be nothing more than repetition and fate.
Wile E. Coyote is Existential Hero
Wile E. Coyote could be classified as an existential hero, on the basis that he is doomed to repeat the same gruelling fate over and over. Sisyphus was the original existential hero. He was punished by the Gods and had to push a rock to the top of a hill, but have it fall back down before he ever reached the top. He would always have to start over, and forever push the rock in his pointless life.
Wile E. Coyote compares in regards to his endless eternal chase with Roadrunner. His goal in life seems pretty pointless, yet his is drawn to this repetition. He is unable to die or even commit suicide, so he is doomed for eternity, as Sisyphus was.
Cartoon Characters Create Their Own Meaning
Perhaps the lives of cartoon characters are existential, and perhaps Wile E. Coyote is an existential hero, but an argument could be made that these characters create their own meaning in their lives. Maybe, they do not share an existential view at all, but instead, they are content with their roles.
Wile E. Coyote may find his life very meaningful, because his time is well spent chasing the Roadrunner. Conversely, the Roadrunner may be content in being chased by Coyote. As most of the episodes suggest, the Roadrunner finds a lot of pleasure in foiling the Coyote.
The case could be made that they live for each other, and without one another, they would truly have no meaning in their lives. Maybe if the day comes when the Coyote finally outsmarts the Roadrunner and has him at his mercy, he will let him go because ultimately for both characters the thrill is in the chase.
Cat And Mouse Cartoons
Every cat-and-mouse cartoon seems to share the same outcome: the mouse will always outrun the cat. For these cat characters, Plato would argue that the desire portion of their soul rules them. According to Aristotle, the mouse character is living the good life as a result of the cat character being enslaved to his own desire.
These cartoons may seem highly absurd and existential because the same result occurs every time. Despite this, however, there can be a lot learned from characters such as Wile E. Coyote, whether positive or negative. Ultimately, these cartoons serve as a method for entertainment, but when viewed more deeply, there are underlying and most disturbing issues ready to be discovered.
If you haven't, be sure to read part 1 and part 2 of the Philosophy of Cartoons series.
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