The Mythology of the Everyday

The central theme of the book is that myth, in its exploration of the relationship between experience and meaning, is a powerful component of contemporary human existence. It is important to note that the term "myth" in this context refers to the concept of myth formulation (the way images are combined and juxtaposed to illuminate a principle and define an experience) as opposed to mythic stories themselves (the narrative results and effects of that combination). It is also important to note that the author is not writing about the way contemporary or popular culture manifests classical myths, but uses classical mythic techniques to create its own myths. His focus is on the way that contemporary, everyday society and culture, uses myths to initiate and perpetuate certain belief systems, rather than to awaken deeper and broader understanding of the human condition. In the author's perspective...