The Rebirth Of La Motte In A. S. Byatt’s Possession

A.S.Byatt’s Possession(1990)depicts how two contemporary critics trace the story of two Victorian poets.This thesis,by drawing the theories and methods of archetypal criticism and revisionist mythmaking,is intended to discuss Byatt’s appropriation of mythology that represent the artistic and emotional rebirth of LaMotte,the fictional Victorian poetess.Firstly,the mythological elements represent LaMotte’s sufferings as a female artist.She has to endure the Victorian society’s suppression on women artists and the inner doubts and anxiety as an original writer.In this process,she also expresses her yearnings to pursue her art through rewriting classical mythologies.When the contemporary scholar Maud rediscovers the value of the poetess’ language,LaMotte is brought back to life.Secondly,the mythological elements represent LaMotte’s emotional dooms,which threaten to destroy both her outside and inside worlds.Even so,she yearns to balance sense and sensibility,which can be reflected in Byatt’s appropriation of mythological elements.She achieves emotional rebirth when her love inspires the contemporary scholar,Maud Bailey,to accept her Self and to become closer to the person around her.In conclusion,through LaMotte,the novel shows how the value of art and emotion will transcend time and space,and how the power of mythology can reach into humanity’s deepest realm.