Intro to Mythological Criticism

Mythological Theory is based on the idea that art and literature evoke deep and universal responses in readers, no matter what age or culture they are from.  Human beings use mythology as a way of representing themselves and their experiences symbolically.  The mythological critic considers literature to reveal human desires, fears and expectations, and will use a text as a lens through which to interpret how particular cultures, or human beings in general, view themselves and their place in the world.

Overview
Culture, Religion, & Myth: Interdisciplinary Approaches
Cora Agatucci, Central Oregon Community College

Some major theorists:

Joseph Campbell: mapped out a series of myths from different cultures and eras and sought to demonstrate the universal elements in these myths.  He is most famous for his theory of the Hero Cycle, which identifies the essential elements of the Hero archetype.

     Resources for further study of Campbell's ideas:

      About Joseph Campbell - The Joseph Campbell Foundation

      Campbell - Dr. Jan Rybicki, Institute of Neophilology, Pedagogical University

Northrop Frye:  theorized that archtypes and mythology are literary creations, and that one must be familiar with these archetypes is necessary in order to be fully literate.  He identified several recurring archetypes (which he called "modes") in literature, and theorized that we respond to and recognize these modes when we participate in the literary tradition.
Resources for further study of Frye's ideas:
        Northrop Frye, A Mini-Biography - Glen Gil, Frye Festival