CRITIQUE PAPER OF THE STORY OF “THE MYTH OF PERSEPHONE”

The well-known Greek tale of Persephone, also known as Kore, has been repeated numerous
times throughout history in various forms. In this critical essay, I will examine the narrative from
a feminist and historical standpoint.

The myth of Persephone has a background in the religion and ideas of death and the afterlife held
by the ancient Greeks. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Zeus, the ruler of the gods, were
the parents of Persephone. Hades, the deity of the underworld, kidnapped her and brought her to
his realm. Demeter's grief over the death of her daughter caused the land to become barren, and
this incident resulted in the creation of the seasons.

Throughout history, the tale has been told in a variety of media, such as poetry, theatre, and
visual arts. The myth has been understood as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death as well as
a sign for the changing of the seasons.

The myth of Persephone presents challenges for feminists. In the narrative, Persephone is
portrayed as a helpless victim who lacks any agency. Without her permission, Hades kidnaps her
and transports her to the underworld. Demeter, her mother, is helpless to save her and is
overcome with sadness and rage. The myth also perpetuates gender stereotypes and the notion
that women are less valuable than males. Demeter is portrayed as a helpless, emotional mother
who is powerless to save her daughter, while Hades is portrayed as a strong god who can take
Persephone against her will.

Persephone's trip to the underworld, according to some feminist readings of the myth, can be
viewed as one of empowerment and self-discovery. In other versions of the narrative, Persephone
ascends to the position of queen of the underworld and exercises her own authority.

In conclusion, the Persephone myth is a complicated tale that can be read in a variety of ways. It
mirrors historical notions of the afterlife and death held by the ancient Greeks. However, the
myth is problematic from a feminist standpoint since it promotes gender stereotypes and presents
Persephone as a helpless victim. Although some feminist interpretations contend that
Persephone's sojourn in the underworld can be understood as an empowering experience, the
way in which women are often portrayed in the myth is still questionable.