> version of it. There is absolutely no religious subtext that I've ever
> been able to see in the original---is it as clear as Shan suggests in the
> modern retelling?
Phyllis I find this a rather highhanded way of saying that you don't see any
religious theme in this film in the terms that are familiar to you. I should
prefer disagreement to be expressed from a personal point of view rather
than attempting to use an 'absolute' negative generalisation, and then
implying that I am overlaying with extrinsic material.. It may not be
evident to your worldview; that does not mean it is not there in others.'
I had stated that there is a definite religious theme there. If you are
unfamiliar with the contemporary Pagan thealogy I speak from you will find
similar themes to the one I cite in Frazer et al.
(always allowing for the fact that Frazer grossly overstated his case, we
can still identify many cultural themes of the Sacrificial God and the
Seasonal Goddess, not least in the Middle East of the five millennia BCE,
'Dark Age ' European traditions of both Celtic and Germanic type, and of
course that influential modern form, Christianity; although in this last the
seasonal Goddess is heavily censored).
> >There was a marvellous film about a man who returns from the Civil War
(USA)
> >to his aristocratic wife and then with her, rejuvenates the failing
fortunes
> >of the estate, including the ordinary working people. Poignant footage
> >displays their struggle to save the harvest etc.
> >He is then exposed as an impostor and not her husband at all. A court
case
> >ensues and for some reson I can't remember, he is executed.
> >The story is clearly an analogue of the Sacrificial God who is chosen by
the
> >Goddess to revive her and the Land (in the film the wife knows he is not
her
> >returned husband but chooses to let him stay as if he were). His death is
> >clearly marked as the sacrifice of a blameless male for the good of the
> >community.
> >
> >Sorry I can't remember the name. I'm sure someone else will.
> >
> >Shan Jayran
> >Associate Lecturer, University College Chichester
> >Ovular - online education
> >
> >ONLINE EVENTS NOTICEBOARD RELIGION & GENDER
> >www.ovular.co.uk/events.html
> >RELIGION & GENDER ONLINE FEB 15 -MAR 29
> >www.ovular.co.uk/relgender/relgender/wworlds.html
>
> Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
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