Images of Hope: The Gods in Greek Books for Young Children
Contributors
Editor:
- 1. Faculty of "Artes Liberales", University of Warsaw, Poland
Description
In this chapter, I discuss the text and illustrations in early readers of classical myth, for children aged four and above. I place two books about the Olympians and Dionysos in the context of Modern Greece and examine the degree of Greekness in the illustrations by comparing them to ancient works of art, folklore elements, and contemporary material culture. I argue that the gods’ comfortable and carefree lifestyle could parody (upper) middle-class living in the Western world. The gods may look modern, but they do not serve as credible models of happiness. Classical myth is cast back in the realm of a fantasy world, giving hope to young and adult audiences as fiction and entertainment. Readers may find additional hope as they develop a sense of belonging to a global community, sharing but also criticizing a consumerist lifestyle.
Notes
Files
Katerina Volioti IMAGES OF HOPE.pdf
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