In order to fully understand the titular character of the Spongebob Squarepants show, one must understand the inspiration for the character. While the main characters of the show are based on the seven deadly sins, the lest obvious correlation between a character and a sin is between Spongebob and his respective sin. In actuality, Spongebob Squarepants represents a non-conventional but accurate portrayal of the sin Lust.
Many people only view Lust as desire associated with sex or a sexual act; however, the word is also used to describe a strong desire for anything. This definition is often used when someone is power-hungry, and such characters are said to have a lust for power. A perfect example of this definition is Frank Underwood from House of Cards, a man who lusts for or desires political power. With this new definition in mind, that lust means a strong desire for anything, Spongebob Squarepants definitely qualifies for the transgression of Lust.
What Spongebob lusts for is perfection. In such episodes as “Best Day Ever”, Spongebob chases his dream day; unfortunately, whenever the day does not go according to his plans, he believes the day is completely ruined. Furthermore, almost all of the antics Spongebob gets himself into involve him trying to accomplish something he believes will make his life more perfect, (i.e. trying to befriend his neighbor Squidward because he believes that having friendly relations with all his neighbors is the ideal lifestyle). He does not really care about his friends’ lives. He only cares about what they can add to his life.
This challenging definition of Lust offered by the team behind Spongebob Squarepants causes an inward reflection. While Lust is most easily shown through as a need for sexual pleasures, it can manifest itself in other areas of life. In order to challenge perfection, the creative team at Nickelodeon deliverers a character who almost always seems to have a perfect life. He has a caring best friend, a good home, and a job he loves. He even treats one of his greatest opponents in the show, Squidward, with love and compassion. Spongebob’s ability to live not only a seemingly perfect American dream, but also accomplish one of the foundational commandments to Western religion (love your neighbor), is often used to overlook his underlying issues. He works harder than most to achieve his dream, but he has an obsession nonetheless. His obsession causes him to ruin situations that are fine, but not corresponding to his definition of perfection.
Maybe creator Stephen Hillenburg intended to portray Lust as the least of the seven deadly sins when he created Spongebob Squarepants. After all, his intense passion for life, friends, and occupation appear to bring him greater happiness and more substantial achievements than any other character on the Spongebob Squarepants show.
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