Evelyn Javana
English 2 section 2004
Professor Adams
May 8, 2018 Robbin’s Influence The novel, “Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins presents a belief on classical mythology tales that provides an adaptation of “The Odyssey” by Homer. In particular, Robbins modifies its characters and concepts to reinforce the importance of the journey of life and self-discovery. One of Robbins biggest influencers is the life and work of Joseph Campbell who is the author of mythology books. Lastly, Robbins values heroes and heroines because the way his two characters, Kudra (the heroine) and Alobar (the hero) are portrayed in his book. To start off, “Jitterbug Perfume” is a story that spans a time-frame of almost one thousand years. Alobar, the protagonist…show more content… A particular influence on him is the life and work of Joseph Campbell, who is an author of many Greek mythology (Hoyser and stookey 9). Campbell also had a major influence and that is the insights of analytic psychologist Carl Jung. Carl Jung recognized the similarities within myths throughout all over the world and across all over cultures of characters, situation, events, and identified these recurring images as archetypes (Harris and Platzner 40). Campbell examines mythology by using the patterns of these archetypal heroic adventures, and applies them to myths, which would be the insights of Carl Jung. In his book, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”, Campbell describes a hero’s journey as one that entails “a separation from the world, a penetration to some source of power, and a life-enhancing return,” which is a model that Robbins uses for his hero (Alobar) and heroine (Kudra) (35). However, the journeys of Alobar and Kudra are in the process of self-development, self-recognition, and maturation. By following Jung’s process of individuation, “the process that allows them to fulfill their potential and grow into true selfhood” (Harris and Platzner 43). This helps Robbins book by providing his characters with opportunities for self-discovery as they journey through life, Robbins confirms his belief that “our individuality is all, all, that we have…” (Easton
