Greek Myths

Essay # 45180

Drama and Theater > Greek and Roman
History > Greek and Roman
Literature > Greek and Roman

Greek Myths

A look at the continued fascination for Greek myths and legends in western culture through psychoanalysis and philosophy.

1,043 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2003 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Greek myths are seen by western civilization as great works of art and beauty. It attempts to analyze why there is a continued fascination with them. It looks at how myths are the basis of our societal and religious practices and are therefore intrinsically treasured institution. It shows how philosophy has contributed to the understanding of the myths by interpreting them as universal allegories about humanity and existence, thus ensuring the continued fascination. It also examines how through psychoanalysis the characters in myths serve as examples of the human?s unconscious desires. Myths are true works of art that can infinitely adaptable and infinitely important as we change our values.

From the Paper:

"Psychoanalysis is another field that has adopted the universalthemes and stories of the myths this time to explain the inner workings of our consciousness and thought processes. Sigmund Freud and then later Carl Jung both used the Greek myths to elaborate on their own theories of the mind. Myths according to the strain of psychoanalysis preached by Freud can explain unconscious desires; the characters in myths serve as examples of the human's unconscious desires. The Greek myths served as a good universal basis for the experience of the human condition, thus allowing them to be useful in psychoanalysis."