Ilusorio 1

Alex Ilusorio

Ms. Storer

English 3H Block 4

24 January 2020

A Hero’s Development from Character Archetypes

A hero’s journey is when a character undergoes an adventure to achieve a goal, yet at the

expense of experiencing ups and downs. The Greatest Showman reinforces this idea of the hero’s

journey through the life of P.T. Barnum, who modernly adapts into this philosophy as he creates

the Barnum Circus. The musical film, directed by Michael Gracey, takes place during the 1850s

in the northeastern states, where P.T. Barnum’s poverty as a child encourages him to become

successful through his own imagination as he becomes an adult. Living in a time business and

industrialization, the journey from poor to rich is near impossible due to an increasing gap of

social class. The movie The Greatest Showman uses the classic archetype of the hero’s journey

through showman P.T. Barnum, where his morality is destroyed by interactions with a temptress.

However, being influenced by a mother-like figure and serving a group of outcasts in turn

develops his character into an intelligent and kind entertainer.

Interactions with Jenny Lind, the temptress, threatens Barnum’s goodness in his

relationship with his crew of the circus. Once arriving to Queen Victoria’s palace, Barnum

decides to introduce himself to Jenny Lind, an opera singer, who enters wearing a dazzling white

gown. Drawn by her presence and beauty, he offers her a chance to perform in America.

Barnum convinces Lind through encouragement, stating, “Just once I’d love to give them

something real” (Gracey, 00:46:45-00:47:11). Barnum just met Lind and her deception through
 Ilusorio 2

her “loveliness” lures Barnum into false hope and insecurity. In addition, the scene directly cuts

to Barnum preparing Lind’s performance in America, totally withdrawing himself from his

recent fame through the circus. This shows that through Lind, Barnum desires to achieve more in

life far beyond his intentions. He goes against his people and temporarily destroys the friendly

relations he has created with his employees by leaving them. As the temptress symbolizes the

pleasure for all men, she utilizes it, removing Barnum’s state of grace that he follows in his

judgement. Not only does Lind affect Barnum’s relationship with his co-workers, but her

romantic intentions with Barnum destroys his own marital bond with his wife Charity. Once

Lind’s opera tour around America recontinued, she attempts to become romantically intimate

with Barnum. When Barnum and Lind shared wine before a show, Lind amorously looks at

Barnum, stating: “The world at our feet. This is to making dreams come true, I’ve given you the

world” (Gracey 01:12:00-01:12:47). At this moment, Jenny Lind begins to lean in for a kiss, but

as Barnum decides to kiss her, he reluctantly pushes her away at the last moment. Although he

prevents the damage of a kiss, Barnum’s temptations to be with Jenny Lind is enough to

represent the brokenness of his own relationship with Charity as well as the impact Lind has on

Barnum’s life. Lind plays an important role of being a trap because it helps represent Barnum’s

hindered behavior when manipulated by the wrong people. The audience sees this as a fall in

Barnum’s journey, making the temptress’ role even stronger as she baits Barnum. Although the

temptress makes formidable efforts to devastate Barnum, a mother like figure saves Barnum

through her wise words.

Charity Barnum, the wife of P.T. Barnum, assists Barnum into becoming a warm-hearted

person through her own, modest words. On the rooftops of the Barnum’s apartment, Charity

spoke to her kids Helen and Caroline alongside Barnum. After the children made their wishes to
 Ilusorio 3

the “wishing machine”, Charity whispered, “I wish for happiness like this forever, for you, for

you, and for your father” (Gracey 00:14:58-00:15:35). The camera then pans to Barnum, who

responded to Charity with a smile on his face. As a woman who is protective and supportive of

her family, Charity wants Barnum to continue making moral decisions that will benefit their

family. The only way to ensure his understanding on the situation is through her own guidance

and wisdom, so she portrays as a mother to her husband. This representation allows Barnum to

become an adequate man because he is given permission by whom he loves most to continue his

dreams which can enable his success. Without support of his wife, Barnum is without guidance

and may give up on the life that he promised Charity ever since they married. Charity also leaves

a positive impact on Barnum prior to Barnum leaving for the temptress’ tour. Before Barnum

leaves, he enters a heated argument with his wife about their children’s needs. From her

perspective, Charity believes that her children are happy with what they have, but Barnum thinks

otherwise. Barnum abruptly states “My father was treated like dirt, I was treated like dirt, and my

children will not be”. Charity calmly responds by saying “You don’t need everyone to love you

Phin, just a few good people” (Gracey 01:07:38-01:08:15). Although Barnum leaves, the camera

zooms in on his face as if he is having a self-reflection about his attitude and beliefs after his

conversation with Charity. It may outwardly appear that Barnum is ignoring Charity’s advice,

but the subtle silence within their conversation creates irony. Rather than ignorance, Barnum is

remembering her dialogue in case something turns out different than what he expects. This

shows increased character development in Barnum because he is willingly open to her guidance,

enabling his trust to others and his ability to be strategic in his interactions with other characters.

Without the mother figure in this movie, Barnum does not have a conscience that allows him to
 Ilusorio 4

make moral decisions for those he truly loves. In addition to Charity, the outcasts whom Barnum

hired shows his story to becoming an ethical person.

The outsiders that Barnum recruited into his show represents the integrity he attains.

When Barnum decides to recruit those who are isolated from society, Barnum without hesitation,

visits a dwarf’s house. Once Barnum greets himself to John (the dwarf), he talks about the glory

and fame he will receive when he enters the show on a horse. Barnum finally convinces him by

saying, “People will come from all over the world, and when they see him they won’t laugh,

they’ll salute” (Gracey 00:21:36-00:22:22). The dwarf John stares directly at Barnum with a

smirk on his face as the camera switches to a paper printing about the show, meaning he chose to

join. Barnum’s decision to begin the recruitment of “meek” and “unwanted” characters

establishes the qualities that Barnum persists. He is considered good-natured because he shows a

sense of caring to the outcasts rather than treating them as individuals who are below him in

society. Thus, he becomes the ringleader of not only the circus, but a leader of hope for those

who are struggling to live up to society’s standards based on their appearances. Not only does

Barnum grow in kindness when he recruits the outcasts, but his efforts to make them experience

joy reveals Barnum’s true character. When the outcasts met Barnum at a local bar, the bearded

women Lennie talked to Barnum about his impact on them. She boldly stated, “Maybe it was just

about a buck. But you gave us a real family”. Barnum replied singing “If all was lost, there’s

more I gained, cause it led me back, to you” (Gracey 1:23:06-1:24:35). Barnum’s understands

that he has made those who were once isolated and left on the streets genuinely happy. This

reassures Barnum’s character because now he realizes that his goal was to always be good in the

heart to anyone who had trouble in their lives. He never wanted the fame for the money, but
 Ilusorio 5

rather to reveal society’s selfishness and corruption towards others. Even if he made horrible

decisions, his positive impacts to those he helped returned to help his problems.

Good deeds always outweigh the sinful ones when someone attempts follows the

righteous path. Although Barnum experiences the natural fall of his journey as the temptress

ripped away Barnum’s goodness, the advice provided by a mother-like figure and the sense of

hope and love he provided for the outcasts reveals his true character: considerate and unselfish.

At some point in one’s life, he or she is brought down by an internal or external factor. Although,

because humans are enabled to hit rock bottom, it is guaranteed for one to go up. There are

always second chances in life, and they come in times of growth and resolution. Barnum is a

clear representation of second chances as he overcame his temptations, and people today should

not take their chance for granted.

Works Cited

Gracey, Michael, director. The Greatest Showman. 20th Century Fox, 2017.