Question

january is believed to have been named after the roman god janus. janus is a two - faced god (one looking forward and one looking backward). he is the god of beginnings, transitions, and ends. this is fitting for the month of january, the first month of the year. he was also believed to preside over every entrance and departure. he was present at the beginning and creation of life. janus was also a gatekeeper and often portrayed to be holding a set of keys. additionally, he is responsible for the changing of seasons and regarded as one of the most important gods in roman mythology. what is the purpose of the above text? a. to explain how january became a month b. to explain the background behind the name of the month of january c. to compare roman mythology to the changing seasons d. to explain how roman mythology controls the months and seasons

Explanation:

The text talks about January being named after Janus (a Roman god) and explains the background of Janus (his characteristics, roles) related to the month of January. Option a focuses on "how January became a month" which the text doesn't explain (it just says it's named after Janus, not the process of becoming a month). Option c is about comparing Roman mythology to changing seasons, which the text doesn't do. Option d claims Roman mythology "controls" months and seasons, which is not stated (Janus is responsible for season change, not mythology controlling). Option b matches as the text gives the background (who Janus is, his roles) behind January's name.

Answer:

b. to explain the background behind the name of the month of January