Functions of Myth Assignment

The Functions of Myth In the writings of Joseph Campbell, he explained the many objectives and inner-workings of cultural mythologies, delving deeply into the purpose of the telling of these stories. Campbell broke these functions down into four main categories, each showcasing and fulfilling a deep, significant need, not only for the specific culture that the myth developed in, but for readers and listeners throughout time. The metaphysical function is the spiritual/religious side of myths. This is the primary function of many myths. It exposes the miracle of creation and raises the awareness of (external or internal) spirituality. This function enables human beings to accept the burdens of life. Modern Media Examples: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Spirited Away The cosmological function gives meaning and structure to the universe. Myths with this function explain how the world and universe were created and their purpose. It explains the world in an objective manner as opposed to a spiritual approach. This function establishes the rules of the universe such as time, space, geology, and biology. Modern Media Examples: Fringe, Mass Effect The sociological function creates and maintains a social order and norms such as: rules, laws, traditions, and customs. It teaches people how to live, what behaviors are acceptable and which are not. It encourages people to support the current status-quo of the society they live in. This function also explains who is in charge and why. Modern Media Examples: How to Train Your Dragon, 300 The psychological function is also called the ‘pedagogical’ function. Myths with this function prepare us for challenges. They tell us how to live a lifetime. They take people through various stages or rites of passage which often lead to a sense of harmony, order, and comfort. Modern Media Examples: The Walking Dead, Juno Functions of Myth Analysis Choose a modern narrative media piece in which you can clearly identify one of Campbell's Four Myth Functions at work. You can choose a movie, game, novel, comic, etc. Avoid using an entire game/film/TV series as an example, however. A series analysis is beyond the scope of this 500 word analysis. Those interested in analyzing part of a series should focus on one installment (e.g. a film, comic, novel, or game), one season or one episode (TV). DO NOT use any of the media pieces discussed in class or used as the instructor example. The following media titles are used as teacher examples throughout the course. Therefore, students should refrain from using them as case studies in their assignments. Star Wars (any film) Lord of the Rings (any film or book) The Hobbit (any film or book) Game of Thrones Harry Potter (any film or book) Ancient myths Any religious material Any media piece that was released within the last six months. Also, it is best to avoid any media titles that are not yet released for the obvious reason of not being able to actually see the piece. The use of any media title that is not yet released can result in a severe loss of points. If you have questions about a selection, please contact your instructor. Your submission should include the following: Name of the media piece and release date. Length: At least 500 words An official promotional image (e.g. poster, box art, dust jacket cover, etc.). State the function of myth you are analyzing What are the characteristics of that function? Introduce a modern media example that exhibits that myth function. Give a clear explanation of the story’s connection to the myth function, whether it is throughout the piece or is illustrated in a particular scene. You will want to put your detail here. Explain why your selection meets Campbell’s definition for that function. Use APA formatted citations; make sure to cite your image and all other resources. Instructor Example: Media Piece: Good Will Hunting Function of Myth: Psychological Promotional Poster For The Good Will Hunting Movie The four functions of myths are all intriguing in their own right, however, the one most interesting to me is the psychological function[MS1]. I love a plot that involves vast character development, which is what the psychological function magnifies. This function of myth focuses on the personal journey of an individual character—their voyage through conflict, challenges, and growth, producing an oftendeeper sense of self and, hopefully, righteousness. As we follow along on the character’s journey, we can learn qualities and mores that will benefit us in our lifetime[MS2]. An example of this function can be found in Good Will Hunting. The movie is the story of a young man who lives a life of unmet potential. When that potential is discovered by an outside source, MIT Professor Lambeau, Will Hunting finds himself suddenly on a new life trajectory. Having been in and out of jail and stuck at a dead-end job, Will at first enjoys the attention. However, when he takes a closer look at the life he could have, he experiences debilitating doubt and opts to remain in familiar territory. He would rather live his simple and familiar life amongst friends and accept less than Professor Lambeau and those that care for him would want. Despite the pressure from Professor Lambeau, Will is adamant in remaining authentic to himself and does not accept interviews for jobs that would leverage his skills, but also stifle his personality. Much to Professor Lambeau’s chagrin, Will’s criminal record disrupts their progress, and he must find a psychologist to assess Will’s mental and emotional state. Psychologist Sean McGuire enters the story in a mentor role. Although Will resists therapy at first, he is forced to confront his repressed memories of domestic abuse and heal. He is also challenged through his budding romance with Skylar Satenstein. Through the course of the story, he goes from lying to her about his family and history to admitting his insecurities and learning to accept love. All of these new relationships force Will to re-examine his current path and change his preexisting relationships in unexpected ways. His world is disrupted so fundamentally that his sense of self is also changed for the better. Good Will Hunting meets Campbell’s definition for the psychological function in that we see Will go through a series of stages and a metamorphosis that take him from a resentful and disillusioned teen to a confident and open adult. Will struggles with his identity and future in a complicated world. Dr. McGuire challenges Will to imagine how his life could change for the better. He helps Will through the confusing moments. By admitting and accepting his fears and insecurities, Will finds harmony, order, and comfort at the story’s conclusion. This story is about Will’s psychological transformation, but many of the themes can be applied to our own lives. Like Will Hunting, many of us may face challenges that help us to understand our purpose in life and how we can be better versions of ourselves. The psychological function of myths resonates with our longing to see this concept realized. There is satisfaction in seeing a character embrace self-love and not hatred[MS3].