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The American Monomyth
Sociology
- GenresNonfictionMythology
331 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
1 person is currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Robert Jewett
34 books7 followersRobert Jewett taught for 20 years at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and is currently a Guest Professor of New Testament at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. He is the author of Mission and Menace: Four Centuries of American Religious Zeal, and is Theologian in Residence at St. Mark's Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 12, 2008
From my blog: Reviewing Comics
As consumers of popular culture, looking back to the past from 2008, the pattern should be familiar to us now;
An idyllic heaven is threatened by some external force, against which the hard-working, honest townsfolk is helpless. A selfless hero of superhuman capabilities and dedication comes to save the day and restores the harmony by violently dealing with the external threat.
Most recognizable from superhero comics, this pattern has pervaded to every outlet of popular culture and has become a major force in forming our expectations towards problem resolution.
But where does it come from and how does it work?
In their 1977 volume The Amerian Monomyth, Robert Jewett and John Shelton Lawrence aim to decipher this phenomenon, which they call the American Monomyth.
In his introduction to the book, Isaac Asimov states that despite the scientific and technological advances of the past centuries, American society has not moved beyond mythical consciousness, but has replaced the classical monomyth with a distinctively American one. Asimov argues that the central theme of the American monomyth is redemption, whereas the classical pattern was centered around a rite of initiation. The theme of redemption is a secularized adoption from the Judeo-Christian dramas, where a selfless servent impassively gives his life to serving others and zealously destroys evil that threatens them. Asimov further argues that, in such a setting, these supersaviors function as a replacement for the Christ figure and the fan loyalties that these stories invoke should be compared to traditional religious following.
Asimov warns that such a perspective imparts the relaxing feeling that society can actually be redeemed by anti-democratic means.
In order to elaborate the basic premise outlined by Asimov in his introduction, the authors Jewett and Lawrence take up some of the most influential popular culture icons of the 20th century and demonstrate how the monomtyh can be identified in their core messages.
Their examples include Star Trek; the Starship Enterprise as the redeemer figure for troubled people and its crew as the sexually repressed men of dedication and iron will.
And Playboy; whose images of lustful and craving women trying to seduce upright, disinterested and cool men who only seem to accept their invitation to redeem them from the delirium of their lust.
As consumers of popular culture, looking back to the past from 2008, the pattern should be familiar to us now;
An idyllic heaven is threatened by some external force, against which the hard-working, honest townsfolk is helpless. A selfless hero of superhuman capabilities and dedication comes to save the day and restores the harmony by violently dealing with the external threat.
Most recognizable from superhero comics, this pattern has pervaded to every outlet of popular culture and has become a major force in forming our expectations towards problem resolution.
But where does it come from and how does it work?
In their 1977 volume The Amerian Monomyth, Robert Jewett and John Shelton Lawrence aim to decipher this phenomenon, which they call the American Monomyth.
In his introduction to the book, Isaac Asimov states that despite the scientific and technological advances of the past centuries, American society has not moved beyond mythical consciousness, but has replaced the classical monomyth with a distinctively American one. Asimov argues that the central theme of the American monomyth is redemption, whereas the classical pattern was centered around a rite of initiation. The theme of redemption is a secularized adoption from the Judeo-Christian dramas, where a selfless servent impassively gives his life to serving others and zealously destroys evil that threatens them. Asimov further argues that, in such a setting, these supersaviors function as a replacement for the Christ figure and the fan loyalties that these stories invoke should be compared to traditional religious following.
Asimov warns that such a perspective imparts the relaxing feeling that society can actually be redeemed by anti-democratic means.
In order to elaborate the basic premise outlined by Asimov in his introduction, the authors Jewett and Lawrence take up some of the most influential popular culture icons of the 20th century and demonstrate how the monomtyh can be identified in their core messages.
Their examples include Star Trek; the Starship Enterprise as the redeemer figure for troubled people and its crew as the sexually repressed men of dedication and iron will.
And Playboy; whose images of lustful and craving women trying to seduce upright, disinterested and cool men who only seem to accept their invitation to redeem them from the delirium of their lust.
July 29, 2016
This book is part of my new effort to study storytelling, looking into the science of the art.
The American Monomyth was written in 1977, and is an excellent analysis of major storytelling successes from that era. It seeks to take the "monomyth" principle of Joseph Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces and see how it applies to American films, novels, TV shows and comic books.
There's fascinating insights here, but much of it does feel dated. Almost 40 years have passed since this exhaustive analysis came out. Much of the book focuses on the "redeemer" figure in American are and most of the examples are from the early 70s, the 60s and even the 50s. I'm not sure how much "Heidi" applies to modern-day American entertainment consumption. At one point, there were few people in the country who hadn't seen that film — today, how many people under 30 even know about it, let alone have watched it?
I found some useful ideals in this book that I will consider when formulating new stories and heroic characters. It's not, however, any kind of a magic bible that will walk you through creating perfect characters or plots that resonate with the American populace.
The book's language is dense and the information is somewhat repetitive. I think that's part of why it took me so long to get through it.
The three stars is only in reference to it's current value as a research book. The information and analysis provided feels very dated. Some of it still applies, some does not.
The American Monomyth was written in 1977, and is an excellent analysis of major storytelling successes from that era. It seeks to take the "monomyth" principle of Joseph Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces and see how it applies to American films, novels, TV shows and comic books.
There's fascinating insights here, but much of it does feel dated. Almost 40 years have passed since this exhaustive analysis came out. Much of the book focuses on the "redeemer" figure in American are and most of the examples are from the early 70s, the 60s and even the 50s. I'm not sure how much "Heidi" applies to modern-day American entertainment consumption. At one point, there were few people in the country who hadn't seen that film — today, how many people under 30 even know about it, let alone have watched it?
I found some useful ideals in this book that I will consider when formulating new stories and heroic characters. It's not, however, any kind of a magic bible that will walk you through creating perfect characters or plots that resonate with the American populace.
The book's language is dense and the information is somewhat repetitive. I think that's part of why it took me so long to get through it.
The three stars is only in reference to it's current value as a research book. The information and analysis provided feels very dated. Some of it still applies, some does not.
January 19, 2022
A groundbreaking work that is still relevant today, especially as Trump and other political figures try to appeal to Americans by adopting the profile of the monomyth hero. The authors have newer books that update the situation.
September 1, 2025
3.5 stars. Definitely dated, but I think a lot of it is still of value, especially at the end where the author talks about a "spectator democracy." I also see today, not only on the right but to some extent in the pro-democracy movement (which I would consider the center - true old-time conservatives, given the fact that the Overton Window has shifted so far, to the left, not including the far left, who can be as bad as the far right in their own special way), a yearning for a magical figure to come "save" us. It would be fascinating to read an updated treatment of this thesis, if not of the book itself, given all that has happened in the last 40 years.
May 2, 2025
2/5 Stars (%40/100)
The American Monomyth by Robert Jewett explores the idea of a recurring narrative structure in American culture, particularly in media and mythology. Jewett argues that there is a distinct "American monomyth" which often centers around a lone hero who rises to confront evil and restore order. While the concept is interesting and offers a unique lens to examine American culture, the book can feel repetitive and somewhat overly academic in its approach. Its analysis, though insightful in parts, may not engage every reader, particularly those seeking a more compelling or accessible discussion. For those interested in cultural studies and mythological analysis, it offers useful perspectives, but it may not resonate with those looking for a more narrative-driven or engaging read. Highly religious perspective!
The American Monomyth by Robert Jewett explores the idea of a recurring narrative structure in American culture, particularly in media and mythology. Jewett argues that there is a distinct "American monomyth" which often centers around a lone hero who rises to confront evil and restore order. While the concept is interesting and offers a unique lens to examine American culture, the book can feel repetitive and somewhat overly academic in its approach. Its analysis, though insightful in parts, may not engage every reader, particularly those seeking a more compelling or accessible discussion. For those interested in cultural studies and mythological analysis, it offers useful perspectives, but it may not resonate with those looking for a more narrative-driven or engaging read. Highly religious perspective!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews