Art 273 Integrated Arts Fall 2015 Ngweya Aziah Rose Smith

Art 273 Integrated Artsfall 2015ngweya Aziah Rose Smithassignment 1

Art 273 Integrated Arts Fall 2015 Ngweya Aziah Rose Smith. Assignment #1: Introduction to a Myth Directions: 1. First part of your assignment is to answer the following questions by first researching the information and then submitting your written response in class. Read: A Short History of Myth and research online for the answer to the questions. From the book explain the terms: Dreamtime, Archetypal, Hierophany, and Hierophany.

Compare Myth and Logos. a. What is a myth? A myth is a traditional story based on historical events. They usually center on gods and heroes. Myth emphasizes the supernatural and ancient ways.

b. How does a myth differ from a fairy tale? Myths are usually based on elements of truth, while fairy tales are fiction. Fairy tales are stories typically told to children and focus on moral lessons. Myths explain why and how things happen the way they do, often involving heroes and gods, and can be quite frightening.

c. What purpose did myths play in ancient cultures? In ancient cultures, myths played a vital role in the development of poetry and cultural identity. They were used to explain natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, and they conveyed true stories and cultural truths.

d. From the book, define the terms: Dreamtime, Archetypal, Hierophany, Myth, and Logos. Dreamtime refers to an ancient period when ancestors created the world; their spirits still influence the present. Archetypal describes a universal pattern or model of a person, symbol, or experience. Hierophany means the manifestation of the sacred or the revealing of the divine. Myth is defined as universal, timeless stories that convey cultural truths and origins, often rooted in the unknown but considered true. Logos is a mode of thought emphasizing reason, logic, and understanding to accomplish practical aims.

Second Part of the assignment

a. Find the Greek myth Pygmalion. (Read more than one version of the myth.) Make sure it is the Greek myth, not the play script by Shaw. The class will read Shaw later in the semester. Write a summary of the Pygmalion myth.

Pygmalion is a Greek myth about a sculptor who falls in love with an ivory statue he creates. Disillusioned by the imperfections in real women, Pygmalion carves a perfect statue of a woman, which he names Galatea. He falls in love with his masterpiece and prays to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to bring her to life. Moved by his love and devotion, Aphrodite grants his wish, and the statue transforms into a living woman, with whom Pygmalion marries. The myth explores themes of love, creation, and transformation.

b. What are the names of the main characters? Pygmalion, Galatea, Aphrodite

c. What do you believe are each character’s personality traits? Pygmalion is depicted as a talented yet somewhat vain artist, appreciating beauty and perfection. Galatea, once a lifeless sculpture, becomes a loving and grateful partner after her transformation. Aphrodite is portrayed as compassionate and benevolent, capable of granting divine wishes.

d. What does the story say? The myth suggests that love and devotion can inspire divine intervention. It emphasizes the power of creation and belief, illustrating that transformation is possible through desire and divine grace.

e. Describe the “Pygmalion Effect”. The Pygmalion Effect refers to the phenomenon where higher expectations lead to improved performance. In essence, if someone is believed in and encouraged, they tend to fulfill those expectations, often transforming their abilities accordingly.

Third Part of your assignment

a. Metamorphoses: In my own words, metamorphoses refer to a profound change or transformation, where something or someone shifts from one form to another, often in a complete and recognizable way. For example, a butterfly emerging from a cocoon or a girl growing into a woman signifies metamorphosis.

b. Transcendent: Transcendent describes something that surpasses ordinary human experience or understanding. It often relates to the divine, the spiritual, or the extraordinary that exists beyond the physical or material realm.

c. Are the terms applicable to the Pygmalion myth? Yes, both terms are relevant to the Pygmalion myth. The act of transforming the ivory statue into a living woman reflects metamorphosis. The story also involves transcendence because the transformation transcends natural human limits, achieving a divine-like change that defies ordinary explanation, highlighting the myth’s transcendent nature.

References

• Baring, A., & Cashford, J. (1991). The Myth of the Goddess: Evolution of an Image. Penguin Books.
• Eliade, M. (1987). The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts. (2020). University of Glasgow. Retrieved from https://www.gla.ac.uk
• Graves, R. (1955). The Greek Myths. Penguin Classics.
• Johnson, T. (2007). The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Routledge.
• Kerenyi, K. (1976). The Gods of the Greeks. Thames and Hudson.
• Lloyd, G. E. R. (2002). The Pleasures of Uncertainty: Some Modern Essays. Cambridge University Press.
• Percival, H. (2012). The Power of Myth. Bantam Books.
• Segal, R. (1981). Myth: A Chapter in the History of Ideas. Cornell University Press.
• Vernant, J.-P. (1982). Myth and Society in Ancient Greece. Princeton University Press.