Reclaiming Myth: Feminist Reinterpretations and the Creation of a More Inclusive Narrative

This thesis examines the role of mythological reinterpretation and its expansion of the literary canon to inclusively reflect human experiences. According to scholars of myth such as Kalloli, Tyagi, and Armstrong, myths are meant to reflect enduring human experiences, making them relatable classics even after thousands of years. However, as the majority of mythological women are largely silenced, misrepresented, or villainized in ancient myth, this reflection is both incomplete and distorted. This thesis examines three contemporary feminist reinterpretations-- Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes, Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker, and Circe by Madeline Miller—each of which gives a voice to the previously voiceless mythological figures, Medusa, Briseis, and Circe. Greek Myth is unique because the women of these stories are not necessarily 100% human, yet they are still bound by a patriarchal mythological society that women in the real world can discern parallels between. These fictional retellings put women at the center of the story, retelling the myth through the perspective of the women in it. Through centering women, the myth is adapted to be more inclusive and relatable to the female experience by reimagining existing narratives and plot lines that have been previously overlooked. This thesis will examine how these reinterpretations of mythological women mirror the experiences of women in our world. Through this examination and the continuing expansion of mythological reinterpretations, perhaps readers will be able to draw parallels to persisting injustices and the enduring human experiences that are echoed in these ancient narratives, one day inspiring collective imagining and, ultimately, the pursuit of a more equitable future.