by Alex Link

Created on: June 05, 2007

While reading novels, the reader is constantly affronted with the complex issue of distinguishing what is true from what is but a myth. Roland Barthes explored the concept of myths in his anthology of philosophical articles entitle "Mythologies." The word myth may be interpreted in many ways. One's first inclination may be to assume it is regarding folk-tales or even the ancient legends of the great many gods celebrated by the Romans and Greeks. In a slightly more modern sense, one might tend to venture more toward the myths more modern authors have to offersuch as J.R.R. Tolkien for instance, who as a linguist and a critic explored the foundations of faerie and celebrated this in his novels. Yet, as Barthes would express, myths are fictitious or illusionary things within society. Thus, from this point of view the reader begins to analyze in literature what myths there are both that are constructions of the society we live in as well as what myths construct the society we live in.

It is understood that a great deal of what is seen and heard on television is fictitious. One of the most obvious examples is the modern obsession with reality TV. Although it is portrayed as "real" great portions of it are understood to be illusionary. Yet, to a great extent these television shows construct the society we live in. The average American familyeven at or below poverty levelsowns at least one if not more televisions and many watch it religiously. Thus, a great deal of values expressed by American culture stem from television shows. For instance, one often will here jokes, imitations, and other references to shows commonly watched by many people. These shows have the ability to define the thought patterns of those watching. Yet, the authors of these shows are immersed in the same culture as their audience, so the cultural myth creates the shows as well.

The genre of science fiction and fantasy remains problematic for many readers. Many view this genre as a culmination of myths and childish stores that are orientated towards an audience less mature. Yet, myths surround are very existence. If it were not for myths, what would American culture be? The founding fathers of our country: a myth. The values our country off of which our country was based: a myth. Sometimes, myths whether they be fictitious or not, are all we have to cling to. Sometimes, they have the ability to give some meaning to the normality of existence. Sometimes, that is all we are: a myth.

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