‘Wonderful stories for kids’: sexual violence in anthologies of Greek myth for children

Diver, Robin Sarah (2021). ‘Wonderful stories for kids’: sexual violence in anthologies of Greek myth for children. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis examines British and North American children’s anthologies of Greek myth and their treatment of rape and sexual violence in adaptations of the myths of Daphne, Europa and Syrinx. Forty-one anthologies are sampled from 1850 to the present day. I draw on social history, sociological research and survey data to consider four key elements of adaptation.

I argue that the prevailing adaptation trend of recent times is not condemnation of sexual violence, but a distrust of power and authority and a favouring of underdogs. Sexually violent characters such as Pan, who are able to be framed as underdogs, are sometimes portrayed more positively than they were in earlier anthologies.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):