Persephone Returns

Book excerpt: Using myth and fairy tales, Dr. Tanya Wilkinson adds insightful commentary on the individual dynamics and cultural patterns which contribute to the deep schism between "victims" and "heroes" in our society. In modern life we sympathize only with the blameless victim, and cling to the image of a "heroic ideal" - that is, if we are only good enough or strong enough, bad things will not happen to us. But bad things do happen to good and strong people, as well as to people who are not entirely blameless. Dr. Wilkinson moves beyond the debate of "who's at fault". Using the Persephone myth and four fairy tales, the author instead illustrates the deep archetypal forces at work in victim experiences and encourages us to search for the emotional and spiritual maturity which may be gained from them.