Question

literary / text elements historical and social context myths are traditional stories that often use supernatural beings or events to explain natural and social phenomena. myths convey central ideas, or themes. sometimes, they contain archetypal themes, or ideal examples found in many cultures. however, myths are often related to a specific culture and are important to the society that created them. these types of myths help explain the values of that society. social context is the cultural setting in which a story happens. including the societys values, norms, and goals. look for details that show interpersonal relationships, everyday life, traditions, and rankings of power historical context is the political, social, and economic environment related to an event, time period, or social movement. understanding historical context will help you see how and why a societys values developed. directions: read this retelling of a native american myth. then, answer the questions. 1 in the beginning, bear owned fire, and he used it with pride. bear and his people used fire for warmth and light, giving them an advantage over the other creatures. 2 one cold winter day, bear discovered an area of the forest filled with acorns. he tossed fire aside on the snowy ground and ran to gather the acorns. bear gobbled up the delicious acorns and then looked for more. meanwhile, fire was burning low. “i need more wood!” fire cried, but bear could not hear him. 3 suddenly, man appeared. “do you need help?” man asked. “feed me!” fire said desperately. “i need to eat some wood or i will die out.” man gathered wood and placed it on fire, who quickly began to grow stronger. gratefully, fire promised man, “if you continue to feed me when im hungry, i will always keep you warm.” 4 finally, bear shuffled out of the forest, full. fire burned angrily. “you left me!” fire shouted. “im through with you!” from then on, man owned fire. 1. which paragraph shows details related to greed? give the paragraph number, and explain what these details show about the social context of the myth. 2. explain what this myth shows about interpersonal relationships in the tribe that created it. 3. describe the relationship between humans and nature shown in the myth. 4. explain another value that the myth shows.

Explanation:

1. Paragraph 2 shows greed. Bear tosses Fire aside to gather acorns, showing self - interest over responsibility. In the social context, it may imply that immediate gain was sometimes prioritized over long - term needs.
2. The myth shows that cooperation (Man and Fire) is important. Man helps Fire and Fire rewards him, while Bear's neglect leads to Fire leaving. It implies that mutual aid and care are valued in interpersonal relationships.
3. The relationship shows humans (Man) can interact with natural elements (Fire) in a mutually beneficial way. Man feeds Fire and Fire keeps Man warm, indicating a symbiotic view of human - nature relations.
4. Loyalty is another value. Fire is loyal to Man who feeds it, promising to keep him warm, while Bear's disloyalty to Fire results in Fire leaving him.

Answer:

1. Paragraph 2. Bear's action of leaving Fire to gather acorns shows greed as he prioritizes his immediate desire for acorns over taking care of Fire.
2. Cooperation and mutual aid are important in interpersonal relationships. Man helps Fire and Fire rewards him, while Bear's neglect leads to a breakdown in his relationship with Fire.
3. Humans and nature can have a symbiotic relationship. Man feeds Fire and Fire provides warmth to Man.
4. Loyalty is a value. Fire is loyal to Man who takes care of it, while Bear's lack of loyalty to Fire causes Fire to abandon him.