| Summary: | This thesis tries to show that Morris' use of his classical sources was governed by, and tailored to, the expectation and background of his public. Classical scholarship being a part of the every day life of many of Morris' readers, <i>Jason</i> blended the moral correctness of Greek epic with a new vision of the ancient world that was very appealing. Whether Morris was conscious of this or not, his poem was very much a product of the times. By examining how Morris changes ancient myths, avoids an ancient bone of contention, or modifies the treatment of a traditional theme, valuable light can be shed on Victorian culture, its views of ancient Greece and Rome, and the value put on classical learning in Victorian society. Such examination can also elucidate Morris' own beliefs about social values, the role of art in history, and the limitations and consolations of mortality. Morris' use of classical sources in <i>The Life and Death of Jason</i> establishes a link between the romance genre of Alexandrian times and the beginnings, at the end of the nineteenth century, of what came to be called fantasy literature. Passages selected for analysis include books I, II, III and XVII; also six of the eight intercalated lyrics of the poem: five sung by Orpheus and one sung by the Hesperides.
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