Historical Context

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Frazer released the first edition of The Golden Bough in 1890, a mere eight years after Charles Darwin's passing. Darwin, a renowned British naturalist hailed as one of the nineteenth century's most significant scientists, formulated the theory of evolution, which he presented in his 1859 book, On the Origin of Species. This work famously introduced the term "survival of the fittest." According to Darwin's theory, species best suited to their environments were more likely to survive, while those poorly adapted were prone to extinction. Within a species, genetic adaptations occurred when organisms possessing crucial survival traits, such as speed or strength, survived long enough to reproduce with other survivors. Their offspring then inherited these advantageous traits, increasing the likelihood of survival and reproduction for each successive generation.

Darwin also proposed that all organisms descended from a single source, evolving as they adapted to various circumstances. He expanded on this concept in 1871 with The Descent of Man, which faced more significant opposition than his idea of natural selection and remains contested by some religious fundamentalists today. Despite criticism, even his opponents must acknowledge Darwin's immense influence as a scientist of his era.

In The Golden Bough, readers can sense the excitement that Darwin's theories sparked among late nineteenth-century scientists. Frazer's exploration of how cultures progress from primitive magical beliefs to more sophisticated religious beliefs, and ultimately to a reliance on science, reflects a strong confidence in the notion that belief systems evolve over time. This idea, much like Darwin's evolutionary concepts, would have appeared unimaginable to earlier generations. By the late nineteenth century, however, scientific focus had shifted from examining isolated events to studying them in relation to similar occurrences. Just as Darwin studied the diverse adaptations of species evolving in different climates, Frazer speculated about how different story motifs manifested in varied but recognizable forms across cultures.

Frazer's belief in society's inevitable progression toward faith in science—an idea often dismissed today—finds a parallel in the works of Karl Marx, the most renowned economic writer of his time. In his 1848 work, The Communist Manifesto, Marx suggested that all world governments would undergo specific, predetermined stages of development before culminating in Communist political structures. Like Frazer, Marx believed there was a singular logical outcome for societal growth, which he claimed could be scientifically determined.

Although Frazer's theories on cultural evolution faced criticism from the moment The Golden Bough was published, he remains a significant figure in anthropology. His work sparked renewed interest in comparative anthropology and left a mark on late 19th-century psychologists, such as Sigmund Freud, who frequently referenced ancient myths in his theories, and Carl Jung, whose concept of the collective unconscious aligns with Frazer’s ideas on universal myths. The Golden Bough also had a notable impact on literature, particularly influencing writers like James Joyce and T.S. Eliot. However, within anthropology itself, Frazer's contributions have been less impactful because he relied on secondhand information instead of conducting fieldwork. Consequently, the value of his writings is often regarded as limited.

Style and Technique

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Archetype

An archetype is a literary model or type that is regarded as universal, appearing across all cultures and throughout history. The tale of the King of the Wood, which Frazer examines in The Golden Bough , contains specific details unique to its context that do not manifest in other situations, thus it is not considered an archetype. Nonetheless, as Frazer attempts to trace the origins of this distinct myth, he discovers it stems from a collection of various archetypes. These include tales of deities who induce winter by descending into the underworld for several months each year, myths...

(This entire section contains 329 words.)

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of corn mothers, the ritualistic murder of scapegoats, and the veneration of oak trees in regions where they flourish. These archetypes, in some form, resonate with all cultures. Some psychologists in the twentieth century have theorized that archetypes might be ingrained in human genetic code.

Folklore

The term "folklore" pertains to the beliefs and traditions of different groups. Typically, these cultural elements are not formally documented by the culture itself, which might be unaware of them; instead, they are often recorded by external anthropologists. When Frazer began his work on The Golden Bough, interest in the beliefs of ordinary people within a culture was just starting to emerge: the term "folklore" was coined in 1846, only a few decades before Frazer's initial edition.

Objectivity

A striking feature of Frazer's writing style is its dry, scientific tone. He never expresses personal opinions or emotions about the stories he presents. Given the vast amount of information he provides, this objectivity can make it challenging for readers to fully absorb the content: since the work lacks variation or emotional engagement, readers must determine the significance of each piece of information on their own. Although this trait may render the book less engaging, Frazer's objective tone is essential. The primary aim of this book is to educate rather than entertain, and the objective tone ensures that he maintains a neutral perspective on the subjects he discusses.

Compare and Contrast

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1890: In Europe and the United States, there is limited awareness of non-Western cultures. Africa is often referred to as "The Dark Continent," and Asia as "The Mysterious Orient."

Today: Affordable travel and the Internet have enabled people worldwide to learn about and understand distant cultures.

1890: Greek mythology is a common subject in nearly all educational institutions and is widely recognized.

Today: Many students are more familiar with Greek gods through Disney movies than from classroom studies.

1890: Scholars like Frazer can gain international recognition for their theories by making assumptions based on other anthropologists' findings.

Today: Leading scientists employ research assistants who gather data under their guidance.

Bibliography

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Sources

Hyman, Stanley Edgar, ‘‘What Do You Dance?,’’ in The Tangled Bank: Darwin, Marx, Frazer, and Freud as Imaginative Writers, Atheneum, 1962, pp. 212–32.

Malinowski, Bronislaw, ‘‘Sir James George Frazer,’’ in A Scientific Theory of Culture and Other Essays, University of North Carolina Press, 1944, pp. 177–221.

Review of The Golden Bough, in the Journal of American Folklore, Vol. 3, No. 40, October–December 1890, pp. 316–9.

Further Reading

Bruner, Jerome S., ‘‘Myth and Identity,’’ in Myth and Mythmaking, edited by Henry A. Murray, Beacon Press, 1960, pp. 276–87. Bruner explores the psychological appeal of myths to humans.

Downie, R. Angus, Frazer and ‘‘The Golden Bough,’’ Victor Gollancz Ltd., 1970. This analysis delves into Frazer’s entire career, detailing his influences, methodologies, and other literary works.

Patai, Raphael, Myth and Modern Man, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1972. Patai, whose early career had parallels with Frazer’s interests, investigates mythological themes in modern America in chapters like ‘‘Madison Avenue Myth and Magic,’’ ‘‘The Myth of Oral Gratification: Coke and Smoke,’’ and ‘‘The New Sex Myth.’’

Vickery, John B. The Literary Impact of ‘‘The Golden Bough,’’ Princeton University Press, 1973. This book focuses on how Frazer influenced writers such as Yeats, D. H. Lawrence, T. S. Eliot, and James Joyce. About a quarter of the text is devoted to James Joyce.

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