Lifelong Learning Institute at Waubonsee Community College

The story of Jonah, a cowardly hero running from danger has a universal message. The myth of such a hero being swallowed by a great fish runs through the myths of all the worlds great religions. The universality of such a story uncovers themes of intolerance, stubborn independence and surrender. These themes are demonstrated in many levels of society from ancient times until the present. This myth is meant to be a moral lesson. This is a story small children learn, not just in a secular environment, but on TV and movies. In this class, members will be challenged to look at the history of their own heroes and perhaps find a bit of hero in their own story.