Spiderman and Joseph
I have always enjoyed comics—now elevated in their designation to “Graphic Novels.” Perhaps my favorite character is Spiderman, aka teen nerd Peter Parker. His youthful impulse, appreciation for learning life lessons, and growing awareness of his strengths, and thus his purpose, are exemplary and inspiring—especially for young readers. The pinnacle of his education is the realization that “…with great power comes great responsibility.”
This is a potent lesson for another young, talented, but impetuous and arrogant teen, the Patriarch Joseph. His God-given ability to interpret dreams is used first as a cudgel of pride against his family. This unrestrained expression of ego drives the dramatic narrative forward, as Joseph is cast to the depths of fate and into Pharaoh’s dungeon, only to emerge triumphant when coming to terms with the purpose of his power: To redeem the Israelite people from famine, and set them on their journey from slavery to Sinai, and eventually, to the Promised Land.
Indeed, for Joseph and for Spidey, the gift of unique ability demands a concerted and thoughtful use toward the greater good. It is a lesson that any of us with privilege and power should hearken to.