At Butler University’s Classics Club April meeting, Classics minor Kailey Steward will be presenting her paper “That’s Just a Myth: A Look at Classical Mythology in Toni Morrison’s Paradise”.
Here is a brief summary of the paper in Kailey’s words:
In this essay I discuss the character of Connie, one of the major figures in Toni Morrison’s novel Paradise, and examine her relationship to the goddess Persephone. I first look at outside scholarship regarding Persephone and her place in Morrison’s works, as well as in other modern literature. Following this I take an in-depth look at Connie herself and compare and contrast her to the goddess. Through these similarities and differences I argue that Morrison aims to use Connie to show her struggles as representative of a larger group of women, oppressed and seeking freedom in a patriarchal world. The essay closely examines Connie’s circumstances and character, as well as diving into ancient myth.
For those interested, April’s meeting will be held on April 3rd at 7:00pm in Jordan Hall 201 on Butler University’s campus.