Why Myth Matters: The Value of the Female Voice in Greek Mythology

Author

Kylie RogersFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-30-2021

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

English

First Advisor

Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Second Advisor

Caroline Wigginton

Third Advisor

Mary Hayes

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

In this thesis I will primarily examine how the retellings of Greek myths from the female perspective provide insight into the importance of myth and why these stories are still relevant today. Specifically, I will examine three major figures: Circe in Madeline Miller’s Circe, Penelope in Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, and Medusa in Marjorie Garber’s The Medusa Reader, along with a few other minor characters featured in Nina MacLaughlin’s Wake, Siren. By studying the fresh perspectives provided by the narration and journeys of these characters and connecting them to plights and experiences that are currently affecting women as evidenced by political and social events such as the #MeToo movement, I hope to demonstrate the power and effectiveness of the messages that can come from these retellings, and how they can impact a modern audience and even contribute to future feminist progress.

Recommended Citation

Rogers, Kylie, "Why Myth Matters: The Value of the Female Voice in Greek Mythology" (2021). Honors Theses. 1727.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1727

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