Mad Men, the iconic television series that aired from 2007 to 2015, transcends its setting as a 1960s advertising drama to craft a rich mythology that continues to captivate audiences. Created by Matthew Weiner, the show weaves a tapestry of archetypes, symbols, and narratives that elevate its story into something timeless, akin to a modern myth. Centered on the enigmatic Don Draper and the world of Sterling Cooper, Mad Men uses its characters, visual motifs, and thematic depth to explore universal truths about identity, ambition, and transformation. Its mythological resonance lies in its ability to blend historical specificity with enduring human stories, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic.
The Hero’s Journey of Don Draper
At the core of Mad Men’s mythology is Don Draper, portrayed with captivating nuance by Jon Hamm. Don embodies the archetype of the hero, a figure whose journey mirrors the classic monomyth described by Joseph Campbell. Born as Dick Whitman, a poor farm boy who assumes a new identity during the Korean War, Don’s story is one of self-invention, a quest to transcend his origins and achieve greatness. His journey is marked by trials, from navigating the cutthroat world of advertising to confronting his personal demons, including a fractured marriage and hidden past.
Like a mythic hero, Don possesses a dual nature: he is both a charismatic ad man who crafts stories that shape culture and a haunted figure wrestling with guilt and alienation. His creative brilliance, seen in iconic pitches like the Kodak Carousel, reflects a shaman-like ability to tap into collective desires, while his personal struggles evoke the archetype of the wounded healer. This duality makes Don a compelling figure, inviting viewers to see their own aspirations and insecurities in his journey. His story, filled with moments of triumph and failure, resonates as a timeless tale of seeking meaning in a complex world.
Archetypes in the Ensemble
Mad Men’s ensemble cast enriches its mythology by embodying archetypal roles that add depth to the narrative. Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, represents the seeker, a young woman striving for purpose in a male-dominated industry. Her evolution from secretary to copywriter mirrors the archetype of the apprentice who grows into a master, challenging societal norms and carving her own path. Peggy’s journey, marked by ambition and vulnerability, reflects the universal quest for self-actualization, making her a relatable and inspiring figure.
Joan Harris, portrayed by Christina Hendricks, embodies the siren and the strategist, navigating the era’s gender dynamics with intelligence and grace. Her ability to wield power within a restrictive system highlights the archetype of the survivor, a figure who adapts and thrives despite adversity. Roger Sterling, played by John Slattery, serves as the trickster, using wit and charm to mask his search for meaning, while Betty Draper, portrayed by January Jones, evokes the tragic muse, her beauty and fragility underscoring the cost of societal expectations. These archetypes, brought to life through stellar performances, create a pantheon of characters that feel both specific to the 1960s and universally resonant.
Symbols and Motifs
Mad Men’s mythology is enriched by its use of recurring symbols that carry profound meaning. The cigarette, a constant presence in the show’s smoky offices, serves as a symbol of both allure and destruction, reflecting the characters’ pursuit of fleeting pleasures and the era’s growing awareness of health risks. The act of smoking, often depicted in moments of tension or intimacy, underscores the characters’ attempts to cope with their inner turmoil.
Another powerful motif is the ad campaign, which functions as a modern myth within the show. Don’s pitches, such as the “It’s Toasted” campaign for Lucky Strike or the nostalgic Carousel pitch, are not just marketing strategies but stories that tap into universal emotions like longing and connection. These campaigns mirror the show’s own storytelling, inviting viewers to reflect on how narratives shape our desires and identities. The recurring image of Don’s silhouette in the opening credits, falling through a cityscape of advertisements, symbolizes his precarious balance between success and self-destruction, a visual metaphor for the human condition.
The Mythic 1960s
The 1960s setting of Mad Men serves as a mythic backdrop, a time of transformation that mirrors the characters’ personal journeys. The era’s cultural upheavals, from the civil rights movement to the rise of feminism, are woven into the narrative, creating a sense of a world in flux. Historical events, like the Kennedy assassination or the moon landing, are not mere background but pivotal moments that shape the characters’ understanding of their place in the world. For instance, the moon landing in 1969 becomes a moment of collective awe, reflecting humanity’s capacity for greatness and the characters’ own aspirations.
This historical context elevates Mad Men into a mythic narrative about change. The 1960s, often romanticized as a time of revolution, become a stage for exploring timeless questions about progress and identity. The show’s meticulous attention to period details, from costumes to music, grounds this mythology in a tangible reality, making the era feel alive and relevant. This blend of historical specificity and universal themes allows Mad Men to resonate across generations, inviting viewers to see their own struggles in the characters’ stories.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Mad Men’s mythological appeal lies in its ability to tell stories that feel both personal and universal. The show’s writing, led by Weiner and a talented team, is poetic yet precise, crafting moments that linger in the viewer’s mind. Whether it’s Don’s quiet confession to Peggy about his past or Joan’s decision to take a bold career risk, these scenes carry the weight of myth, revealing truths about resilience and redemption.
The series’ cultural impact further cements its mythic status. With 16 Emmy Awards and a lasting influence on television, Mad Men inspired shows that explore complex characters and societal themes, such as Breaking Bad and The Crown. Its imagery, from Don’s contemplative gazes to the vibrant ad campaigns, has become iconic, shaping popular culture and inspiring everything from fashion to marketing. The show’s ability to remain relevant, discovered by new viewers through streaming platforms, speaks to its timeless quality, much like the myths that endure across centuries.
Why the Mythology Endures
Mad Men’s mythology endures because it speaks to the human experience with honesty and optimism. Its characters, flawed yet striving, embody archetypes that resonate across time, while its symbols and motifs invite reflection on the stories we tell ourselves. The show celebrates the power of reinvention, as seen in Don’s journey, and the strength of community, as seen in the bonds forged at Sterling Cooper. It reminds us that, like the ad men of Madison Avenue, we are all crafting our own narratives, seeking meaning in a world of change.
For fans, Mad Men offers a rich, rewarding experience, its layers of meaning unfolding with each rewatch. For newcomers, it promises a journey into a world that is both a vivid historical portrait and a timeless myth. Its legacy lies in its ability to connect us to something larger, a story of human ambition and resilience that continues to inspire. Mad Men is not just a show about advertising; it’s a modern myth that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the human spirit, inviting us to find our own stories within its world.