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Serpent in the Cellar: Love and Death in Life and Myth
Tom Strelow, author
Adult; Self-Help, Sex & Relationships, Psychology, Philosophy, Fashion; (Market)
The Serpent is a complex moral archetype in mythology. As the Viper, it is a dark force lurking in the shadows waiting to strike. As a sacred mediary, it may represent the power of healing and perpetual life, or the wisdom of the gods.
The Serpent on the Tree of Morality weaves the mythological fabric of moral development underlying the three Abrahamic religions. While the institutional ideologies often lose this thread, the authentic myth is vitally an ancient psychology of love founded on empathy, altruism, generosity, and support within the inclusive boundaries of a universal human family uninhibited by caste, custom, conduct, or creed.
Serpent In the Cellar explores the psychodynamics of this ancient psychology to reveal the deeper pathways of personal power and prosocial morality—cultivating a mature conscience, strengthening trust in community, and inspiring genuine love for one another.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 7 out of 10
Prose: 6 out of 10
Character/Execution: 6 out of 10
Overall: 6.50 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Strelow offers insightful learning, combined with a novel take on moral philosophy. The guide explores well-known constructs in a new light, and Strelow skillfully calls forth weighty reflections that will challenge readers’ beliefs.
Prose: Strelow’s prose is formal and rich with imagery, contributing to the narrative’s philosophical nature. Although fitting, this type of prose also interferes with reader understanding—particularly for those who may not have a solid grasp of the topic.
Originality: The author dives into some intriguing concepts that will prompt deeper exploration for readers, and the sheer scope of material combined under one umbrella lends this work distinction.
Character/Execution: Despite Strelow’s exhaustive efforts to both provoke insight and increase understanding, the text is challenging to follow and lacking in well-defined goals. The information Strelow presents often comes across as vague and disconnected, likely impacted by the guide’s loose structure.
Date Submitted: October 20, 2022
