Abstract
In this chapter I discuss the text and illustrations in books 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 be a parody of (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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Our Mythical Hope. The Ancient Myths as Medicine for the Hardships of Life in Children’s and Young Adults’ Culture |
| Editors | Katarzyna Marciniak |
| Place of Publication | Warsaw |
| Publisher | University of Warsaw Press |
| Pages | 531—553 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2022 |
Keywords
- Globalisation
- Children's Literature
- Consumerism