Question

essays: 40% answer two of these three questions on the next sheet (we can provide more paper if you need it). write at least one full paragraph (five or six meaty sentences) for each of your answers. (40%) 1. why is life so hard, according to hesiod? mention at least two different responses to that question in detail. then say, briefly, whether you think hesiod is right about this. 2. how should we define what counts as a myth? start by sketching the view i presented in class (and online). you may then either dispute that view (if you have an alternative definition) or apply that definition to one of the myths weve read together to see if it works. 3. what do the hymns to demeter and aphrodite have to say about mortality? briefly say why each has something to say about death, then discuss one of them in more detail. conclude by briefly discussing whether that hymn’s message provides any consolation for the fact that all of us humans are going to age and die. → detach the next page from the rest of the exam and write your essays on it. we can provide more paper if you need it.

Explanation:

1. For the question about Hesiod: Hesiod's works often reflect on human - nature and the gods' influence. He might attribute life's hardships to the gods' actions or human nature's flaws. For example, in his myths, the gods' punishments or the introduction of evils like Pandora's box can be seen as reasons for life's difficulties. To assess if he is right, one would consider the universality of these ideas and how they align with modern understanding of human experience.
2. Regarding the definition of myth: In class, a view might have been presented that myths are traditional stories involving gods, heroes, and supernatural elements, often serving to explain natural phenomena, cultural traditions, or moral lessons. Disputing or applying this definition would involve analyzing specific myths read in class, looking at their structure, themes, and functions.
3. For the hymns to Demeter and Aphrodite: Hymns often contain messages about the nature of life, including death. Demeter's hymn might relate to the cycle of life and death through the story of Persephone, while Aphrodite's could touch on the role of love and beauty in the face of mortality. Assessing consolation would involve considering how these messages offer comfort in the face of the inevitability of death.

Answer:

1. One possible response for Hesiod could be that the gods' actions, like Pandora opening the box which released evils into the world, make life hard. Another could be that human hubris and disobedience to the gods lead to hardships. Whether he is right depends on one's perspective; his ideas reflect the cultural and religious context of his time, but some aspects may still resonate today in terms of understanding human - nature and the presence of suffering.
2. A myth can be defined as a traditional narrative that includes supernatural beings or events and serves to explain aspects of the world or human behavior. For example, the myth of Prometheus stealing fire for humans explains the origin of fire and also has moral implications about human progress and the gods' authority. Disputing this definition might involve arguing that some modern fictional stories with similar elements could also be considered myths, while applying it would mean analyzing how well - known myths fit these criteria.
3. The hymn to Demeter may suggest that death is part of a natural cycle, as seen in the story of Persephone's abduction and return, which brings about the seasons. This can provide consolation as it implies that death is not an end but a transition. The hymn to Aphrodite might focus on the power of love and beauty in the face of mortality, suggesting that these aspects of life can bring meaning and comfort even as we face death.