Discuss the uses of ancient myths or fairy tales in any of the modern literature, poetry, or short stories we’ve studied. You may use a classical work,such as Oedipus or the other Greek myths and contrast it with a modern work. Using outside resources and Hamilton’s Mythology, show how a knowledge of mythology can add a valuable resource in understanding and enjoying modern literature (poetry , short stories, or novels).

Choose ONE of the essays below write ONE approximately five paragraph essay with a works cited.

1. Discuss the uses of ancient myths or fairy tales in any of the modern literature, poetry, or short stories we’ve studied. You may use a classical work,such as Oedipus or the other Greek myths and contrast it with a modern work. Using outside resources and Hamilton’s Mythology, show how a knowledge of mythology can add a valuable resource in understanding and enjoying modern literature (poetry , short stories, or novels).

2. Analyze the myth of Pygmalion in relation to the modern day work, “The Shape of Things.” Discuss the time differences and gender reversal in Shape of Things that puts women in the role of artist, creator, and maker instead of objectified artistic creation. How do Pygmalion and Evelyn both rely on external powers, i.e. Aphrodite? How are the artists works both critical of society and transformative?

3. Write an essay on how an archetype plays out in literature from the course and quote from Jung if you choose this essay prompt. For example, discuss the archetype of the “hero/ “heroine” or the archetype of the “trickster” and shape-shifting in Bluebeard, or the “spirit” archetype in Gaia, or the “rebirth” archetype mythic figures like Pymalion or Demeter/Persephone. Another possibility is to write about the mother archetype in Bluebeard and/or myths like Perseus/Medusa. Describe the contradictory aspects of the archetype, such as how mother archetype can be both nurturing and overwhelming.

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