Exam 1 Flashcards
types of myths
- narratives of cosmic existence
- revelations of human relationships w/ gods
- hero quests
- stories of mysterious places/things
ways myths can be conveyed
orally, prose, poetry, visual imagery, music
define myth
a traditional or legendary story that may not have any basis of fact or a natural explanation; concerned w/ deities & explains some practice or natural phenomenon
define epic
long poem usually centered around a hero and his great achievements
define allegory
a representation of an abstract/spiritual meaning through concrete/material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another
define parable
short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson
define fable
a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often w/ animals & inanimate objects as characters
define fairy tale
a story, usually for children, about magical creatures (elves, dragons, etc.)
define legend
a non-historical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition from earlier times & popularly accepted as historical
define folklore
the traditional beliefs, legends, or customs of a people (stories specific to a culture)
define wives’ tales
regarded as superstition (pejorative term)
define symbol
something representing something else, especially a material object standing for something more abstract
define metaphor
literary comparisons that use an image, story, or tangible thing to represent a less tangible thing or some intangible quality or idea
purposes of myths
communicate information, day-to-day living, spiritual, expression of individual thought, social and political purposes, delight
steps for assessing a myth
1) description
2) analysis
3) evaluation
describing a myth
- origins, culture, & authorship
- genre
- historical, philosophical, religious, or scientific references
- language/style (poetry or prose)
- characters & plot
- mood (emotions evoked in reader)
- function (purpose)
analyzing a myth (questions to ask)
- What is the primary metaphor?
- What is the human experience or universal tendency that has been revealed?
- Are archetypes used; if so, what part do they play in the revelation?
- Is there room for interpretation – will the author and reader come to the same conclusion?
define archetype
a universally understood symbol, term, or pattern of behavior - prototypes upon which others are copied, patterned, or evaluated; can be seen as either the ideal (Plato) or a stereotype (pejorative)
William Doty’s “Toolkit” for approaching myths (4 questions)
1) The Socio-Political: myth as a reflection of culture, hierarchies
2) The Psychological: myth as a study of the subconscious
3) The Literary/Textual: myth studied as pure literature (as a novel)
4) The Structural: myth defining universal themes, duality concepts
define mythos
concerns what is thought to be timeless and not constant in our existence; not concerned with practical matters but with meaning
define logos
the rational, pragmatic, scientific thought that enables people to function well in the world
conventions of a classic myth (7 elements)
1) a hero
2) supernatural power(s)
3) a monster or demon
4) a problem
5) a tool, object, clue, concept, or idea that can assist the hero to win
6) a beautiful maiden or princess
7) a person who helps the hero (sidekick)
Joseph Campbell’s definition of myth
- based on traditions or legends
- attempt to explain the universe, supernatural forces
- have a moralistic point of view consistent w/ cultural values
Joseph Campbell’s 4 functions of myth
1) mystical: discovering the unknown - experiencing the universe
2) cosmological: showing the shape of the universe through reason & thereby revealing the mystery
3) sociological: validating the social order; ethics & morality
4) pedagogical: how to deal with daily life, circumstances
