The Topic: Archaic Lore in Modem Stories

One of the defining characteristics of British and Irish Modernist literature is the deliberate and skillful weaving of ancient lore into modern texts. The ancient lore may come from a variety of sources:

--allusions and characters from Greek mythology (such as the Erinyes, the Fates, the Graces, the judgment of Paris, the myth of Demeter and Persephone)

--themes and ideas from the Judeo-Christian heritage (such as the Epiphany, Twelfth Night, Baptism)

--structural patterns and ideas from the old Celtic tradition ("Da Derga'sHostel," the geassa the nemeton)

--archaic beliefs and archetypal motifs (such as the chakras, symbolism in clothing, water, the number four, the color black)

--philosophical principles from antiquity (Enantiadromia, death/rebirth)

All of these manifestations of ancient lore are found in our assigned stories: "The Horse Dealer's Daughter" and "The Dead."

The Assignment

Part 1: Consider the stories and the archaic lore that is so intrinsic to each. For each story, first identify the ancient lore in the story. Then, explain why and how the ancient lore is important. BE SPECIFIC! Connect the ancient lore to very specific aspects, characters, and situations in the stories. Use textual evidence. Do not generalize. Remember, you are analyzing and not merely summarizing.

DO NOT SUMMARIZE -ANALYZE!

Part 2. Examine the way that this ancient lore is used in both stories. Then, answer this question: What pattern do you see in the way these authors incorporate the ancient lore? Explain your answer and cite textual evidence as support.