myth essay (part 1)
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Myth Essay (Part 1). World Literature Mr. Brennan. Do-Now. Theories on Myth. Identify the major theorists we have covered within this unit, and then, briefly summarize (in a sentence or two) each of the main perspective on myth. AGENDA. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Myth Essay (Part 1)World LiteratureMr. Brennan
Theories on Myth
Identify the major theorists
we have covered within this unit,
and then,
briefly summarize (in a sentence or two)
each of the main perspective on myth.
Do-Now
SWBAT compose a thesis statement and an outline in preparation for composing an analytical essay on myth and modern theory.
1. Review: Wiegle
2. Mini-Lecture: Myth Essay
3. Mini-Lecture: Thesis Statement
4. Workshop: Thesis Statement & Outline
Learning Objective
AGENDA
1. Finish Your Essay’s Thesis, Outline, and Quotes
2. Exam on Myth and Theory – Wednesday3. Essay on Myth and Theory – due Tuesday
HomeworkReminders
Campbell’s Perspective on Myth
In the long view of the history of mankind, four essential functions of mythology
can be discerned.
1. The first and most distinctive – vitalizing all – is that of eliciting and
supporting a sense of awe before the mystery of being.
2. The second function of mythology is to render a cosmology, an image of
the universe that will support and be supported by this sense of awe before
the mystery of the presence and the presence of a mystery.
3. A third function of mythology is to support the current social order, to
integrate the individual organically with his group
4. The fourth function of mythology is to initiate the individual into the
order of realities of his own psyche, guiding him toward his own spiritual
enrichment and realization.
—Joseph Campbell
ESSAY• In a 1250 word essay (approx. 3 pages), analyze
and evaluate one or more creation story, and one
or more modern theory.
• You can structure your essay in two possible ways:
• focus on one (or more) critical theory and
demonstrate how this theory is evident within
various mythological creation stories
• focus on one (or more) mythological creation story
and analyze it through various critical lenses, or
Take a minute to consider what you would like to focus your essay on
(you can always change it later)
THEORISTS
Frazer — Religious (Anthropological) • explains man’s relationship with, and perception of, the natural world,
specifically pertaining to the attempt to satisfy primary needs of survival Rank, Freud, and Jung — Psychological • explains the unifying commonalities among various myths through the myth of
the hero, a psychological expression of man’s desire for independence
Rank and Jung — Psychological• explains the unifying commonalities among various myths through psychological
archetypes and the collective unconscious
Durkheim — Religious (Social)• explains religion’s role in satisfying man’s need for the emotional security
attained through communal living
Mark and Ridley — Social (Marxist) • explain religion’s connection to social warfare, its attempts to establish
legitimacy of power, and its use in the oppression of the masses
Weigle — Social (Feminist)• explains the positive and negative portrayals of femininity in myth and its
implications on contemporary society
A thesis statement is the…
…of an essay.
A thesis statement must…• contain an assertion, or a confident
and forceful statement of fact or belief
• address the question: How?
• address the question: So what?
THESIS STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Psychological / Freud:
The depiction of various parental relationships in various cultural creation myths
provide insights into the human psyche and reveal our continual yearning for
personal independence.
Psychological / Jung:
When viewed as a collection of archetypical representations, cultural creation
myths reveal the universality of mankind unconscious mind.
Religious:
Mythology promotes a religious framework consisting of omnipotent deities as a
means to satisfy mankind’s physical and emotional needs.
Feminist:
By portraying male figures in positions of power and authority, mythological
stories reinforce a patriarchal social system and maintain the continued
oppression of women.
Marxist:
Mythology serves as a means in which to maintain a sovereign’s position of
power and continue the oppression of the masses by instilling fear, while
simultaneously providing hope.
All introductions:
Summarizes Relevant Background Information
Make connection between topic and thesis
End with a thesis statement
Hooks the reader’s interest
Introductions
Writing a Good Hook
Now, try writing your own!
INFORM the READER: Prior to the civil war, thousands of slaves were treated like livestock, sold and traded for money.QUOTE: “It’s been three day’s since we’ve seen the sun” (Lester 4).
APPEAL to the UNIVERSAL (Thematic Focus): A life without freedom, is a life not worth living.
Introduction Hook:
All human societies tell stories concerning the origins of the
cosmos to express their understanding of the world and their
place in it.
Relevant Background (Context Relevant to Thesis):
• What is myth? What is the purpose of myth? Why study
myth? How do modern theorists relate to the study of myth?
Thesis:
Cultural creation myths serve as a foundation for the creation of
human society, and establish , legitimize, and maintain a
society’s hierarchal social structure.
Outline• Introduction: Hook > Contextual Background > Thesis
• Body Paragraphs:
1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?
• Conclusion: Synthesize thesis and key points into a strong closing
statement to produce one or more new insights with analytical
depth.
Thesis 2:
When viewed as a collection of archetypical
representations, cultural creation myths
provide insights into the human psyche and
reveal our continual earning to gain
independence.
What topics could our body paragraphs
address?
Outline Brainstorm
Outline: Psychological• Introduction: Hook > Contextual Background > Thesis
• When viewed as a collection of archetypical representations, cultural
creation myths provide insights into the human psyche and reveal our
continual earning to gain independence.
• Body Paragraphs:
1. Archetypes and Social Unconscious (ref. Jung)
2. Oedipus Complex (ref. Freud)
3. Myth of the Hero (ref. Rank)
• Conclusion: Synthesize thesis and key points into a strong
closing statement to produce one or more new insights
with analytical depth.
Thesis 1:
Cultural creation myths serve as a foundation
for the creation of human society, and
establish, legitimize, and maintain a society’s
hierarchal social structure.
What topics could our body paragraphs
address?
Outline Brainstorm
Outline: Social• Introduction: Hook > Contextual Background > Thesis
• Cultural creation myths serve as a foundation for the creation of human society, and establish ,
legitimize, and maintain a society’s hierarchal social structure.
• Body Paragraphs:
1. Establishment of Society (man’s social needs)
(ref. Durkheim — myth/religion as social glue)
2. Establishment of Hierarchy Among Societies
(ref Marx — development of axis mundi and establishing ruling class)
3. Legitimacy of Ruler
(ref Marx — ref. Abraham and Emperor Jimmu’s connection to divine)
4. Social Hierarchy Among Class
(ref Marx — ruling class & oppression of the masses via hierarchy of gods)
5. Gender Inequality & The Oppression of Women
(ref Weigle — the inferiority feminine figures)
• Conclusion: Synthesize thesis and key points into a strong closing statement
to produce one or more new insights with analytical depth.
Thesis 3:
Through it's depiction of a monotheistic god
and the actions of individuals, the Judeo-
Christian creation story, “The Book of
Genesis,” provides insight into the human
psyche and established the moral and
hierarchal framework for Judeo-Christian
society.
What topics could our body paragraphs
address?
Outline Brainstorm
Outline: Genesis• Introduction: Hook > Contextual Background > Thesis
• Through it's depiction of a monotheistic god and the actions of individuals, the Judeo-Christian
creation story, “The Book of Genesis,” provides insight into the human psyche and established the
moral and hierarchal framework for Judeo-Christian society.
• Body Paragraphs:
1. Oedipus Complex
(ref. Freud, Adam/Eve’s disobedience towards father; Cain’s desire for attention)
2. Archetypes, Social Unconscious, and the Myth of the Hero
(ref. Jung, Rank, Adam/Eve as metaphor for personal independence)
3. Morality
(ref. Mark, fear of God’s wrath — Adam/Eve, Cain, Mankind via Flood and Babel)
4. Hierarchal
(ref. Mark, monotheism and ruling class; axis mundi and allocation of land)
5. Feminist
(ref. Weigle, Eve inferior to Adem; dominance of male figures)
• Conclusion: Synthesize thesis and key points into a strong closing statement to
produce one or more new insights with analytical depth.
You will now create your own well-developed thesis and outline.
Once I’ve reviewed your outline, You may begin searching for textual
evidence.
Once I’ve reviewed your quotations, you may begin typing your first draft.