This paper seeks a definition of “myth” by examining many sources, especially Shakespeare’s King Lear and Melville’s “Moby Dick”.
This paper selects the best definition of myth as the traditional tale common to the members of a tribe, race, or nation, usually involving the supernatural and serving to explain some natural phenomena. The author points out that the stories of King Lear and of Ahab in ?Moby Dick? provide opportunities for lessons on individualism, pride, social conformity, group cooperation, and, most importantly, sublimation of pride, desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. The paper concludes that myths are vehicles for lessons on moral values, respect for others, self-discipline, curbing of anti-social behavior, and stabilizing the social situation.
“Let’s go into more thoughtful and more acceptable provocation. How is the myth exemplified, for instance in King Lear of Shakespeare? It is an accepted fact that tragic heroes have tragic flaws. It is their tragic flaw, which lead to their destruction. King Lear’s tragic flaws are his vanity and his allowing himself to be deluded by the flatteries and lies of his daughters Goneril and Reagan4. He believes himself to be a “compleat father” which he is not and so he deludes himself into believing Goneril’s and Reagan’s protestations of love and affection for him. Cordelia , the youngest daughter, will not fawn at her father’s feet and be rewarded by a gift of property. To her it was like equating love with an award. Besides, she knew that her sisters were not telling the truth. Their protestations are mythical – untruths.”