Importance of Myth

Dom and Maddie often act out Greek myths in the woods in a game they call "Gods versus Mortals." These include Icarus' wings burning and Hephaestus making Achilles' armor (146). Living with an abusive father and a drug-addicted mother, the children flee to the woods to enjoy their favorite pastime, acting out old stories that trample their oppressive, disheartening living situation. Towards the end of the novel, Dom is irritated that Brooks is so good at Gods versus Mortals as before it was a game that belonged to him and Maddie alone. The myths effectively represent the reality the children wish they could have, but which is unattainable.