Title of the work
Country of the First Edition
Country/countries of popularity
Original Language
First Edition Date
First Edition Details
Rose Impey, Pandora’s Box, White Wolves: Myths and Legends. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2007, 49 pp.
ISBN
Genre
Adaptations
Myths
Target Audience
Children (7–9)
Cover
We are still trying to obtain permission for posting the original cover.
Author of the Entry:
Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Peer-reviewer of the Entry:
Lisa Maurice, Bar-Ilan University, lisa.maurice@biu.ac.il
Susan Deacy, University of Roehampton, s.deacy@roehampton.ac.uk
Peter Bailey (Illustrator)
Peter Bailey was born in India and grew up in London. He graduated from Brighton School of Art. Peter has illustrated many books by noted English authors. Most of Peter’s work was for children’ books but he also illustrated adult books.
Source:
Profile at carolinesheldon.co.uk (accessed: September 10, 2019)
Bio prepared by Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Rose Impey
, b. 1947
(Author)
Rose Impey is a noted British children’s author. She was a primary school teacher in the past. Her book, Joe's Café, won the Sheffield Children's Book Award.
Impey has written over 110 titles for children of all ages, including the series Sir Lancelittle, Baddies, Creepies, Animal Crackers and more. She also won the Shrewsbury Children's Book Prize and the Rotherham Children's Book prize in 2012.
Sources:
Profile at contactanauthor.co.uk (accessed: September 10, 2019)
Profile at fantasticfiction.com (accessed: September 10, 2019)
Bio prepared by Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Summary
This is a retelling of Pandora’s box myths. The story narrates the creation of men by Prometheus and his stealing of the fire. It then narrates the story of Pandora. It begins with the creation myth of Prometheus and also of Pandora.
Analysis
Zeus is described as a tyrannical god who did not wish men to be equal to him: “He wanted Man to worship the gods and always depend on them.” (Kindle location 13). Yet Prometheus does not heed Zeus’ warning and give man fire, for which he is punished. Thus from the beginning we have a clear dichotomy between the evil Zeus and the good and wise, yet ultimately unsuccessful and weak Prometheus. The book is aimed at young readership and narrates the story in a clear language for this intended audience.
The creation of Pandora, the first woman as is emphasized in the story, is described as part of Zeus’ revenge on humankind. The creation of Pandora, the first woman, is part of a divine plan to punish mankind.
The gods endow Pandora with many talents, such as cooking, singing, sewing and also wisdom and beauty, and it is later described that at first her life with Epimetheus seemed perfect. The definition of this perfect marriage is as follows: “Pandora was a good wife. She cleaned and sewed and prepared fine meals for Epimetheus. When he came home, she sang or played music for him.” (Kindle location 52). The author thus emphasizes the conservative role of a good wife, a description that could be problematic as a message for young children. Pandora’s curiosity (which was also granted to her by the gods), keeps her from truly enjoying her life and torments her. Hence at the end she opens the box and unleashes evil, yet also hope.
While curiosity and obsessiveness is the recurring theme in Pandora’s story, the correlation with her not acting as ”a good wife” to Epimetheus and as a result ruining mankind is perplexing. Pandora caused harm to humankind due to her uncontrolled curiosity. The author, however, implies that Pandora’s obsession with the box prevented her from being a good wife and ultimately brought harm on all, therefore it seems as if she connect between these elements of Pandora’s character.
Addenda
The review refers to the 2013 e-book edition.
