The Blue Mountain:"Renaissance Myth" By Meir Shalev

On the basis of broad context of the overview of Israeli writer creation, the studyexpands analysis on the thematic elements of "Renaissance Myth" in the text uponnarrow context of the work, from the four layers of myth, poetry, conception of nature,and national priority view further explains the artistic value of Israel full-length novelthe Blue Mountain, and compares the works with contemporary Israeli writer creationof ethnic renaissance stories by similarities and differences.In a broad sense, context generated in the works is affected by multiple factorsincluding geographical location, historical context, religious beliefs, cultural traditions,works of art, etc.. The mainline of the works is constituted by the practice and dreamof pioneers. This modern Israel “renaissance myth” possesses certain degree of socialsignificance–influenced by ancient Hebrew myth traditions, myth is deeply rooted inthe minds of modern Jews, and hence modern Israel social life has not walked out ofmyth.In a narrow sense, according to the thematic elements of "Renaissance Myth" inthe works of the Blue Mountain, it starts from the details of the renaissance ideals,survival skills, reproductions, agricultural reclamation, love stories, educationalconcepts, group beliefs, till death of the pioneers. Via perusal reading of the texts, andrelating context, the artistic value of the works is further analyzed.In the writing of Meir Shalev, the artistic value of the Blue Mountain, a myth ofethnic and national renaissance, mainly includes the following points.First, myth. Laid out by the writer, the entire novel is filled with magic color, andapplies several Greek myth and Hebrew myth. For example, Minotaur, Helen,Cerberus, Golem, Adam and Eve, Rizpah, Nimrod, Kande, Samson, and Abraham,Rebekah, Esther, Benjamin myth, etc..Second, poetry. Between the lines of novel the Blue Mountain, are filled withpoetry. And the leading characters of the novel also express their feelings throughpoetry. In narrating the love story of Esther and Benjamin, poetry is everywhere.Sense and feelings of characters such as Abraham Mirkin, Danny Rilov, Ya’akovPinness are all expressed in poetry. These poetries, some are already buried inmemory, some left imprint of childhood, some do not have the opportunity to bepublished. Yet, these distinctly expound the thoughts in the hearts of people.Third, conception of nature. In the novel, animals have their own personality andnames. People cherish the land, and are submissive to nature. Bewildered by thefragrance of black soil and plants, pioneers gave away swamp to eucalyptus forest,and envy the free life of cave dwellers. Their children have different imprint on ants, and use ripe pears to make natural lozenge. Pioneers have the concept of cherishingthe land, and being submissive to nature. They treat life and species like family.Fourth, national priority view. The refugees gathered concept of jews, fullyembodies the national priority view.Compared with contemporary Israeli renaissance stories, the works of MeirShalev presents an anti-type image of the pioneers. The leading character Mirkin inthe novel is a unique pioneer. He drains off water for swamps, and plants flowers indesert. It is different from the “last pioneer in Valley of Jezreel” flattered by feverishreports, and not in consistence with the photos provided by Jew Zionism activists forswamp myth.Overall, the Israel full-length novel the Blue Mountain of Meir Shalev, walks outof negative, pessimistic situation, and demonstrates from missing beauty tosublimation of humanity.