Archetypes

Deb is teaching World Literature this summer at Calvin. Yesterday was the day they studied the Ancient Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh. One of her students' tasks was to consider the many archetypes found in the tale. When trying to persuade her class of the importance of this project she used two novel arguments. First, she mused, vast riches await the person who makes use of common archetypes in writing (or even filming) a compelling and mythically "true" story. Second, she argued, our culture continues to buy into -- and peddle -- mythic archetypes, and it makes sense to know what it is you're buying. As an example, she showed three contemporary images, each associated with a common feminine archetype...

The Sex Goddess


The Damsel in Distress


The Warrior

Guess which one our own 12-year-old daughter is choosing? (For answer, scroll down).