National Classics Week Packet National Classics Week Packet | Page 19

April 23

Written by NJCL Historian Karen Dong

Beyond the appeal of finding the similarities among iterations throughout the years , the twists on the original myth , the different and unexplored perspectives , and the reminiscence of our childhood tales , retellings allow authors to deliver representation for people around the world .

We can better relate to these stories , finding a reflection of ourselves that “ empower ” and “ humanize ” us through beloved and familiar storylines . With Madeline Miller ’ s The Song of Achilles , people , especially members of the LGBTQ + community , can find a “[ place they ] found welcome when [ they ] couldn ’ t find it elsewhere ,” in the words of Miller herself . Books like Margaret Atwood ’ s The Penelopiad and Ursula K . LeGuin ’ s Lavinia speak on behalf of silenced women and tell their stories , which we still see a lack of today .

Retellings have the power to advocate on behalf of marginalized groups and normalize those who have felt alienated by society for centuries , influencing the views of people today to see history from a different perspective .

Activities

Donate a book to a nonprofit Host a book drive Write and submit a Classics-related article for a JCL publication