Structuralism in Mythology
Mythology 3340
Structuralism in Myth “Heroes of Myth: Man Divided Against Himself” was a complex collection of myths drenched in ideas of structuralism In many opinions, myth in itself has an underlying foundation of the necessary search for answers, logic which needs to be explained for the human mind to comprehend all elements of life. Yet, viewing from the other end of the telescope, structuralism is seemingly not concretely about myth, although there is a correlation, certain approaches of structuralism is essentially about the construction and make-up of the human mind as a whole, which brings powerful interpretation of many mythical patterns and logic in Man Divided Against Himself. The heroes discussed struggled with inner battles and seemed to be created and fashioned to provide a cultural and societal framework in a world full of disarray. These heroes also present a medium relating to the typical human, yet they bestow the hope of what we can never attain, to somewhat be satisfied. In these myths, binary opposition gives the myth a relative order often times shown through mediation. In himself, a hero is presented as an intermediate being. Many heroes are said to have two fathers, one being of human form, and the other being his true father who is divine in nature. This contrast provides a link not only for the God’s, but for ordinary human beings as well. “The hero’s function, too, is redemptive: by his half-divine nature, his glorious deeds, and his relentless pursuit of immortality, he uplifts humanity from its dismal condition and reminds us of our godlike potential” (Harris, Platzner 276). The hero, in general, can be seen as a logical necessity being the connection between the divine and mere mortals. Hero’s display many duties as an important aspect of society. They not only defend the people and empire from harmful individuals or beast that would
Structuralism in Myth “Heroes of Myth: Man Divided Against Himself” was a complex collection of myths drenched in ideas of structuralism In many opinions, myth in itself has an underlying foundation of the necessary search for answers, logic which needs to be explained for the human mind to comprehend all elements of life. Yet, viewing from the other end of the telescope, structuralism is seemingly not concretely about myth, although there is a correlation, certain approaches of structuralism is essentially about the construction and make-up of the human mind as a whole, which brings powerful interpretation of many mythical patterns and logic in Man Divided Against Himself. The heroes discussed struggled with inner battles and seemed to be created and fashioned to provide a cultural and societal framework in a world full of disarray. These heroes also present a medium relating to the typical human, yet they bestow the hope of what we can never attain, to somewhat be satisfied. In these myths, binary opposition gives the myth a relative order often times shown through mediation. In himself, a hero is presented as an intermediate being. Many heroes are said to have two fathers, one being of human form, and the other being his true father who is divine in nature. This contrast provides a link not only for the God’s, but for ordinary human beings as well. “The hero’s function, too, is redemptive: by his half-divine nature, his glorious deeds, and his relentless pursuit of immortality, he uplifts humanity from its dismal condition and reminds us of our godlike potential” (Harris, Platzner 276). The hero, in general, can be seen as a logical necessity being the connection between the divine and mere mortals. Hero’s display many duties as an important aspect of society. They not only defend the people and empire from harmful individuals or beast that would
Cited: Harris, S. & Platzner G. Classical Mythology: Images and Insights. McGraw-Hill. New York. 2012. Smith, Amy. “Myth and Structuralism”. English 3340. Lamar University.