Creating Tetrads for Analyzing Myths
A method indebted to the Developmental Research Lab at T.C.U.
Created by Tim Murray
Let’s start with these assumptions.
1. Myths are a creation of human psyches, but human psyches themselves — during development — are shaped by those very same myths.
2. The same can be said for cultures: myths are a product of cultural activities, but the culture itself is shaped by its myths.
3. And heroes are often active representations of our cultural myths — our heroes are shaped and selected according to our own cultural beliefs.
4. Further, heroes are our models, shaping us as we develop and go about the business of living; but our heroes are carefully chosen (or constructed) to satisfy the needs of the psyche.
OK, re-read those four points again. Now, if the reasoning seems a little circular it’s because it is. There is a relationship between all quadrants of the tetrad and the connection points are multiple and multi-directional. On the level of the psyche, a myth might, for example, help one relieve his anxiety about the death of a loved one (most of the lovers myths) or the threat the coming winter poses to ripening crops (see Demeter and Persephone). Similarly, myths about the gods and the punishment or aid they give humans suggest that people should behave a particular way that honors the gods and benefits the community. In many stories a human protagonist learns and teaches these lessons via his or her actions. A hero is chosen or constructed for how well she or he exemplifies the values of the culture.
I want you to create a tetrad that you can apply to a Greek hero myth of your choice.
Let’s use “Star Wars” as an example since most of us have seen this film. It is a classic hero myth. So, we can create a tetrad that reveals the relationship of the psyche, hero, myth and culture as follows.
In the hero quadrant, I’d write “Luke Skywalker” and I’d include adjectives and any sort of descriptors which define this hero. I’d use words like “brave,” “trusting,” and “self-aware,” but also “stubborn,” “naïve,” a little “whiny” and “confused.”
In the myth quadrant, I’d very briefly summarize the plot. Perhaps I’d do this as, “This myth sees a surly, bored teen charged with the task of conquering evil and making the universe safe for its good inhabitants. Along the way, he must listen to the sage advice of his ancestors, remove his self-doubt via learning experiences, and learn to tap into a transcendent force which communicates the wisdom of the ages and enables him to perform extraordinary actions.”
In the culture quadrant, I’d list cultural values and concerns that the myth seems to support. We’ll use typical western values as this film is certainly a product of 20th century America. So, I’d list “justice and fair play” since an adherence to these allowed for the victory to be a noble and valid one. I’d also mention “diversity and inclusiveness” since Luke is helped along by various creatures with differing talents. And I might also include “Love and Faith” since these seem to make up the fabric of The Force. Being an honors student, I’d even go further and write a sentence or two about how these values, which helped Luke become a hero, are the same values held dear in a representative democracy like America.
In the Psyche quadrant, the most personal and meaningful of all, I’d list my own personal anxieties that “Star Wars” relieves. And guess what? These might start to look familiar because of the circularity of this whole tetrad. So, I’ve often had doubts about my abilities (as a mom, a wife, a teacher, a stage director) so I’d mention this and connect it to Luke’s doubts. I tend to take things personally, so I’d be sure to include this too and explain that Luke had a hard time with criticism. When I was a teen, I experienced the Watergate scandal when President Nixon authorized a burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters, and I, like many my age, distrusted the authority of government and hoped for a hero who would be honest and benevolent. “Star Wars” offered the myth of a pure-hearted youth conquering evil, and deep in my Psyche the film gave me hope. I would include this personal connection in the Psyche quadrant.
Finally, I’d notice “Star Wars” is a hero myth, created by America, to relieve the stress of the cold war and political distrust. The film asserted that good, in the shape of Luke Skywalker (a hero we constructed and chose), can conquer evil. Luke in turn would teach me that I have to go through experiences to gain self-confidence and hope, which would encourage me to take on the challenges of the world I lived in. And as it turns out, I am perpetuating the myth and its values through this assignment. And around and around it goes.
Your tetrad should be in the form of an essay with an introduction and conclusion and a paragraph for each of the four quadrants. Your conclusion should wrap it all up by explaining the importance of this myth in modern times. Then you will create and attach a visual representation on 8x11 paper of the tetrad diagram with key phrases to represent your view of it. This is a visual summary of your essay.
Good Luck…Use The Force.
Name ______
English 9H, _____
Due Date ______
Categories / Below Standard / Near Standard / At Standard / Exceeds StandardIdeas & Content
40 pts / · Lacks understanding
· Little or no individual connection / · Shows incomplete understanding of tetrad principles
· Makes unclear or weak connection between tetrads / · Shows good understanding of tetrad principles
· Makes clear connections, esp. to personal psyche / · Shows deep understanding of tetrad principles
· Makes deep connection & unique insight between parts of tetrad
Organization
10 pts / · Confusing or incorrect organization / · Some organization, but might be lacking
· Weak transitions
· Incomplete intro
· Conclusion is present but incomplete / · Clear organization with paragraphs
· Adequate transitions
· Clear introduction
· Conclusion summarizes clearly / · Organization helps to clarify points
· Strong transitions
· Engaging introduction
· Conclusion ties together with insight
Conventions
10 pts / · Basic errors in conventions / · Convention errors sometimes distract / · Minor convention errors don’t distract / · Few or no convention errors
Visual Tetrad
10 pts / · Below standard in many ways / · Somewhat unclear or incomplete / · Clear and complete / · Shows creativity and insight
Revision Evidence
10 pts / · Final draft shows very few changes / · Final draft shows surface changes, mostly to conventions / · Final draft shows some changes to 1-2 traits / · Final draft shows significant changes to multiple traits