Monsters, gods and heroes: mythical characters that campus freshmen study in English. However, rather than be restricted to a subject in the classroom, the study of Greek and Roman mythology can be applied to modern-day society.
According to the freshman English curriculum, myths began as religious stories, or a way to explain the unexplainable, many of which prominently feature gods and goddesses. Today, people often read them for storytelling, entertainment or insight into ancient cultures.
Mythology prevails in modern society
Television shows and movies, such as Disney’s Hercules (1997), have reintroduced mythological figures to newer generations.
Though mythology has been around for millenia, it can still relate to students and is a crucial part of their education, according to campus educators. Mythology is a basic undertone of many novels, movies and fictional children’s stories. Though this may not be obvious to most, Greek mythology is present in many popular novels.
For instance, Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold, by C. S. Lewis, tells the story of two sisters: one beautiful, the other ugly. The setting of this novel consists of a barbaric, pre-Christian world. The struggles between sacred and profane love are the main conflict in the novel, and the characters learn that they cannot understand the intent of the gods. Through this book, readers may understand concepts of mythology, such as the struggles of love, through the characters and recognize similar conflicts in today’s world.
Freshman class studies mythology, applies themes
During freshman year, FC students learn about Greek and Roman mythology through the study of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. This book includes information on the main Greek gods, such as Zeus and Hades, as well as numerous stories.
In accordance with the idea that mythology can be applicable to the modern day, freshman Chris Chon says that the study is interesting and relevant to current entertainment.
“I have read many books that have these mythology undertones,” Chon said. “Now that I know more about mythology, I can apply it to the movies I see and the books I read.”
In addition, junior Ramandeep Singh says he applies Greek mythology to his current English class.
“The mythology stuff that I learned during freshman year has really helped me with some of the things I have done during high school,” Singh said.
Junior Martin Moreno was a student in Greg Stobbe’s English class during his freshman year and has used his knowledge of mythology throughout his high school years, he says.
“When I was a freshman, I learned about mythology and it has really helped me with the English classes I am taking now,” Moreno said. “It is really cool to see how what I learned two years ago has applied to what I am doing now.”
While freshman Ileana See recognizes the importance of studying mythology, she says that the study should not take place at the beginning of high school.
“I understand that the things we are learning apply to some of the things in our everyday life, but what I don’t understand is why I am learning them now,” See said.
Teachers stress literary advantages of mythology
However, according to freshman English teacher Brianne Vogt, the content of Greek and Roman mythology pertains to many literary works and is crucial to fully analyzing different pieces of literature.
“The character types present in Greek and Roman mythology are referred to in all of literature,” Vogt said. “If you do not have the background of Greek mythology, it may be hard to compare or understand some literature.”
Vogt believes that mythology plays a part in everyday life and applies to career choices.
“If someone does not know the background of the story of Achilles, then they would not be able to understand the full meaning of the circumstance of the ‘Achilles’ heel,'” Vogt said. “Even in psychology and some types of medicine, we apply mythology because in some ways it helps the human mind make sense of things.”
In accordance with Vogt, junior high history teacher Hallie Rojeski stresses the importance of Greek mythology.
“A working knowledge of Greek mythology assists one in better understanding the illustration and themes of classical and modern literature,” Rojeski said. “Mythology can be used as a great tool for the young adult because it is applicable to almost everything.”
For more information on literary studies, read the Sept. 17, 2009 article, Literature: A window to life.
