Title: Electra: A Gender Sensitive Study of the Plays Based on the Myth, 2nd ed.
Author: Batya Casper
Publisher: McFarland; 2nd edition
ISBN: 978-1476676746
Pages: 229
Genre: Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology Literary Criticism
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Pacific Book Review
At one point or another in our lives, someone or something has had an influence on us in a way which was unique. Whether it is our favorite celebrities, a beloved family member, or a terrifying stranger, something that person said, or did, influenced us and our lives, and played a role in our development as a whole. This has been the subject of many a psychologist over the years, and has led to some breakthrough psychological studies. As Deepak Chopra once said, “Our minds influence the key activity of the brain, which then influences everything; perception, cognition, thoughts and feelings, personal relationships; they’re all a projection of you.”
In author Batya Casper’s Electra: A Gender Sensitive Study of the Plays Based on the Myth, 2nd ed., the author explores the concept of the mythological and theatrical figure of Electra and her influence on theatrical and written productions throughout human history. From the ancient Greek Tragedies to Shakespeare’s Hamlet and even more modern tales like T.S. Eliot’s The Family Reunion, the author explores the origins of myth and legends and how these reflected the themes and messages found within the theater, and the way the Electra myth and complex was portrayed as a result.
The author did such a marvelous job of crafting a thought-provoking and engaging read. The balance that the author struck immediately in examining the Electra myth while also highlighting history and cultural mythology as a whole was fantastic to see unfold on the pages, and the central theme of gender roles and identities found in ancient mythology and theater throughout history was so insightful and educational. It also struck such an emotional chord, as the evolution of the Western “Patriarchy” and the roles found within these plays was so shocking yet well researched as well. Even the ancient Greek tragedies, and the way the author examined how strong women characters like Elektra weren’t praised as strong women with inner strength, but rather as women who displayed strong masculine strength was jaw-dropping yet true to read.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy history, mythology, educational and psychological studies of theater and literature throughout the centuries. As a fan of history, mythology, and cultural studies, it was so fascinating and thoughtful to read the author’s extensive research and psychological analysis of specific plays and their reflections of our society and their viewpoints as well.
Mesmerizing, thought-provoking, and entertaining to read, author Batya Casper’s Electra: A Gender Sensitive Study of the Plays Based on the Myth, 2nd ed. is a must-read non-fiction book. The blend of mythology, legends, history, and literary and theatrical studies and the impact of gender-identity and the Electra myth as a whole made this feel well-rounded and impactful, and created a study that modern readers and theatre enthusiasts alike will not want to miss.
