Hercules as a Symbol of Labour: A Nineteenth-century Class-conflicted Hero

James, Paula (2015). Hercules as a Symbol of Labour: A Nineteenth-century Class-conflicted Hero. In: Stead, Henry and Hall, Edith eds. Greek and Roman classics in the British struggle for social reform. Bloomsbury Studies in Classical Reception. London, New York: Bloomsbury Academic, pp. 138–154.

URL: http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/greek-and-roman-class...

Abstract

This chapter shows how Hercules, the half divine hero of superhuman strength, was irresistible to organized labour, having 'changed sides' from symbolically representing European imperialism and aristocratic supremacy. It is argued that Hercules did not necessarily lose his associations with colonial expansion even when he seemed to be portrayed in the most liberationist and revolutionary postures.

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