Abstrakt
In the present article, an alternative definition of myth is proposed. Myth is defined as a dialectic junction of a symbolic and a narrative part.
Symbols, or mythical motifs, obtain ever new meanings in a changing context provided by the narrative. Such an understanding of myth finds its use in a so called "mythic reading".
This strategy seeks to analyze and interpret select works of modern literature as myths by focusing on mythical motifs which can be found within them. In this article, it is applied to two well-known novels, Bulgakov's Master and Margarita and Orwell's 1984.
This way of reading may offer new and challenging interpretations of even well-known and established works. Besides "logical" tools of literary criticism it also employs interpreter's imagination.
Moreover, it also has theological implications because there are certain parallels between the proposed understanding of myth and the biblical message.