Mythology in "Her Sweet Jerome"

Paper Summary:

It is often said about Alice Walker that her works demonstrate a creation of modern American mythology. This paper shows that it can also be argued that Walker's thematic representation of character and universal human conflict is also a retelling of classic mythological themes. The paper examines how, in Walker's short story, "Her Sweet Jerome", she represents a retelling of the story of Euripides' "Medea".

From the Paper:

"Within these two works is a universal story of the shunned and scorned woman and their revenge upon the injustice of men. The works are also steeped in literary tradition, with deep meaning and messages of feminine grief. Walker's work serves to remind the reader of Medea's tragedy. Her character is proactive, though unprepared for what she finds, as Medea is unprepared for Jason's treachery. The theme of Walker's work serves to remind the reader of the universality of the ancient theme of cultural rifts that can find themselves deeply embedded in the death of relationships, just as it was in the ancient."

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