Exam 3: Myth and the Origin of the Humanities
Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "The Lotos-eaters," based on a section of Homer's The Odyssey, is considered an example of how myth
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Common sayings often present unexamined mythic beliefs about the world. Choose a common saying and analyze what the personal or social function of that saying might be. In what ways might this way of looking at the world be limited or narrow?
I. Choose a common saying.
II. Explain what the saying means.
III. Tell how such a myth functions.
IV. Explain how such a myth might have limitations.
I. Common saying: "Money can't buy happiness."
II. Meaning: This saying suggests that material wealth and possessions are not the key to true happiness and fulfillment in life. It implies that there are more important things in life than money, such as love, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
III. Function: This saying serves as a reminder to prioritize non-material aspects of life and to not become overly focused on wealth and possessions. It can also serve as a source of comfort for those who may not have a lot of money, reassuring them that they can still find happiness and contentment in other ways.
IV. Limitations: While the saying "money can't buy happiness" is meant to encourage people to focus on non-material aspects of life, it can also be limiting in that it overlooks the very real impact that financial stability and security can have on a person's overall well-being. For many people, having enough money to meet their basic needs and live comfortably can greatly contribute to their happiness. Additionally, this saying may overlook the systemic inequalities and injustices that can result from a lack of financial resources, and may downplay the importance of addressing economic disparities in society. Therefore, while the saying may have good intentions, it can be narrow in its perspective and fail to acknowledge the complex relationship between money and happiness.
If the myth we are studying involves the notion that life is a series of happenings rather than a quest, that myth is an example of
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Jung's label for the idea that humans share inborn and instinctual models for understanding human experience is
Which famous archetype is associated with the Western journey?
The Oedipus plays and The Oresteia plays all concern myths of
Discuss the effects of today's mythic "us versus them" distinction mentioned in the chapter. Make clear in your essay whether you think this popular myth is helpful or harmful to society.
I. Describe the "us versus them" myth.
II. Detail the effects of it on today's society.
III. Explain why you think it is helpful or harmful.
Recent clichés such as "It is what it is" and "You only live once" might best be thought of as examples of
Write a brief essay describing a common myth from childhood that you now realize shaped some of your expectations of life. Analyze ways that that myth might be disenchanting or useful to children.
I. Describe a myth from childhood.
II. Detail how the myth shaped expectations.
III. Explain why the myth may be useful or disenchanting.
Choose a film or book version of a popular "superhero" of today, such as James Bond, Iron Man, or the Black Widow (from The Avengers). Write a detailed essay comparing this superhero to one of the heroes of mythology. Using the description of the hero in the chapter, explain how the hero of today relates to the hero of antiquity and what their similarities and differences might suggest about the continuity of values in cultures.
I. Identify and describe a modern superhero.
II. Relate the superhero to a hero from ages past.
III. Explain how the heroes are similar and different.
IV. Describe what these similarities and differences imply about the continuity of values in cultures.
The 1959 Brazilian film Black Orpheus is an updated version of a myth involving
The problem of suffering, woman as transgressor, and curiosity are all part of the
If we believe that some famous actors (such as Robert Downey Jr.) or wealthy people (such as Bill Gates) might be authorities on things such as politics, we are seeing a modern example of which mythical feature?
Describe whether the hero myth can help or hinder an adolescent in his or her development.
I. Describe the hero myth.
II. Explain how the myth can help or hinder an adolescent's development.
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