Classical Mythology in English Literature


Book Description

Classical Mythology in English Literature brings together a range of English versions of three classical myths. It allows students to explore the ways in which they have been reinterpreted and reinvented by writers throughout history. Beginning with a concise introduction to the principle Greco-Roman gods and heroes, the anthology then focuses on three stories: * Orpheus, the great musician and his quest to free his wife Eurydice from death * Venus and Adonis, the love goddess and the beautiful youth she loved * Pygmalion, the master sculptor who fell in love with his creation. Each section begins with the classical sources and ends with contemporary versions, showing how each myth has been used/abused or appropriated since its origins







The Myths of Love


Book Description

This study seeks to define the medieval literary conventions governing allusions to certain Ovidian and Virgilian tales of love in the works of Boccaccio, Machaut, Froissart, and Chaucer. Using evidence from the Latin mythographers, it addresses several much-debated critical issues in medieval scholarship: questions of narrative voice, thematic unity, and purpose. Its principal contribution is to the discussion and evaluation of the French and Italian poems of love to which Chaucer was most heavily indebted. The author suggests that the love poems of Boccaccio, Machaut, and Froissart, rather than being ponderous didactic productions designed to instruct medieval audiences in the art of love, are true progeny of the Roman de la Rose,complex jeux d'esprit much closer in spirit and intention to the works of Chaucer than has been supposed.




Call of Classical Literature in the Romantic Age


Book Description

Examines the role that cinema played in imagining Hong Kong and Taiwan's place in the world




A Handbook to the Reception of Classical Mythology


Book Description

A Handbook to the Reception of Classical Mythology presents a collection of essays that explore a wide variety of aspects of Greek and Roman myths and their critical reception from antiquity to the present day. Reveals the importance of mythography to the survival, dissemination, and popularization of classical myth from the ancient world to the present day Features chronologically organized essays that address different sets of myths that were important in each historical era, along with their thematic relevance Features chronologically organized essays that address different sets of myths that were important in each historical era, along with their thematic relevance Offers a series of carefully selected in-depth readings, including both popular and less well-known examples




English Mythography in Its European Context, 1500-1650


Book Description

Greco-Roman mythology and its reception are at the heart of the European Renaissance, and mythographies-texts that collected and explained ancient myths-were considered indispensable companions to any reader of literature. Despite the importance of this genre, English mythographies have not gained sustained critical attention, largely because they have been wrongly considered mere copies of their European counterparts. This volume focuses on the English mythographies written between 1577 and 1647 by Stephen Batman, Abraham Fraunce, Francis Bacon, Henry Reynolds, and Alexander Ross: it places their texts into a wider, European context to reveal their unique English take on the genre and also unfolds the significant role myth played in the broader culture of the period, influencing not only literary life, natural philosophy and poetics, but also religious conflicts and Civil War politics. In doing so it demonstrates, for the first time, the considerable explanatory value classical mythology holds for the study of the English Renaissance and its literary culture in particular, and how early modern England answered a question we still find fascinating today: what is myth?




Greek Mythology


Book Description




A Companion to Medieval English Literature and Culture, c.1350 - c.1500


Book Description

A Companion to Medieval English Literature and Culture, c.1350-c.1500 challenges readers to think beyond a narrowly defined canon and conventional disciplinary boundaries. A ground-breaking collection of newly-commissioned essays on medieval literature and culture. Encourages students to think beyond a narrowly defined canon and conventional disciplinary boundaries. Reflects the erosion of the traditional, rigid boundary between medieval and early modern literature. Stresses the importance of constructing contexts for reading literature. Explores the extent to which medieval literature is in dialogue with other cultural products, including the literature of other countries, manuscripts and religion. Includes close readings of frequently-studied texts, including texts by Chaucer, Langland, the Gawain poet, and Hoccleve. Confronts some of the controversies that exercise students of medieval literature, such as those connected with literary theory, love, and chivalry and war.




The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art


Book Description

In 'The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art,' edited by Thomas Bulfinch and Charles Mills Gayley, the reader is introduced to a meticulously curated anthology that explores the enduring allure and profound impact of classical myths on English literature and art. Through a diverse array of literary styles, the collection offers a comprehensive examination of how ancient myths have been reimagined and reinterpreted across different periods, highlighting the transformative power of mythology in shaping cultural narratives. The anthology stands out for its rich tapestry of perspectives, weaving together seminal works that underscore the contemporaneous relevance of these age-old stories. This scholarly compilation benefits immensely from the diverse backgrounds of Thomas Bulfinch and Charles Mills Gayley, whose collective expertise in mythology and literature provides an unparalleled insight into the interplay between myth and artistic expression. Aligning with various historical and cultural movements, their curation underscores the timeless nature of these myths, demonstrating how classical stories have continually adapted to reflect, critique, and influence societal values and human experiences across ages. 'The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art' is an essential read for those intrigued by the symbiotic relationship between mythology, literature, and art. It offers readers a unique portal to explore the myriad ways in which myth has permeated English literature and art, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity with which these tales have been retold. The anthology not only enriches ones understanding of literary and artistic tradition but also invites an engaging dialogue between the past and the present, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.