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What are the five pieces of information that will be discussed regarding Hesiod's Works and Days?
What are the five pieces of information that will be discussed regarding Hesiod's Works and Days?
Hesiod's Works and Days is set in the same location as his other work, Theogony.
Hesiod's Works and Days is set in the same location as his other work, Theogony.
True
What is the name of Hesiod's brother, who he is in conflict with in Works and Days?
What is the name of Hesiod's brother, who he is in conflict with in Works and Days?
Perses
What does Hesiod tell his brother to not be greedy for?
What does Hesiod tell his brother to not be greedy for?
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Hesiod believed that court cases were only for the rich and powerful.
Hesiod believed that court cases were only for the rich and powerful.
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What two poor crops does Hesiod claim that people should be content with?
What two poor crops does Hesiod claim that people should be content with?
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The account of Prometheus in Works and Days differs from the account in Theogony.
The account of Prometheus in Works and Days differs from the account in Theogony.
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Match the following Greek terms to their English translations:
Match the following Greek terms to their English translations:
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The term "charter myth" was coined by Bronislaw Malinowski.
The term "charter myth" was coined by Bronislaw Malinowski.
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What ritual is Burkert's primary example for his idea of a ritual that has lost its original function but found a new one?
What ritual is Burkert's primary example for his idea of a ritual that has lost its original function but found a new one?
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The term "sociobiological" is applicable to Burkert's approach to studying myths and rituals.
The term "sociobiological" is applicable to Burkert's approach to studying myths and rituals.
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Burkert contends that rituals can function as a replacement for verbal communication.
Burkert contends that rituals can function as a replacement for verbal communication.
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What event is Hesiod's account of Prometheus and Zeus at Mecone a metaphor for?
What event is Hesiod's account of Prometheus and Zeus at Mecone a metaphor for?
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Burkert argues that myths are only meaningful, or even considered "genuine" myths, if they can be directly connected to a ritual.
Burkert argues that myths are only meaningful, or even considered "genuine" myths, if they can be directly connected to a ritual.
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In Burkert's view, what are the two most prevalent themes represented in rituals and myths?
In Burkert's view, what are the two most prevalent themes represented in rituals and myths?
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What is the main purpose of myths and rituals, according to Burkert?
What is the main purpose of myths and rituals, according to Burkert?
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Hesiod presents a solely negative view of work and labor in Works and Days.
Hesiod presents a solely negative view of work and labor in Works and Days.
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Hesiod believes that the arrival of fire and Pandora brought about a positive change in human development.
Hesiod believes that the arrival of fire and Pandora brought about a positive change in human development.
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The "Iron Age" describes the decline in the strength of humanity and the rise of evil and corruption.
The "Iron Age" describes the decline in the strength of humanity and the rise of evil and corruption.
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What is the central message of Hesiod's account of the Iron Age?
What is the central message of Hesiod's account of the Iron Age?
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According to Hesiod, the gods primarily punish those who have committed evil deeds.
According to Hesiod, the gods primarily punish those who have committed evil deeds.
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What does Hesiod suggest is the ultimate safeguard against evil and decline?
What does Hesiod suggest is the ultimate safeguard against evil and decline?
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Hesiod's account of the Iron Age supports Burkert's notion that human behavior is rooted in basic instincts associated with hunting and aggression.
Hesiod's account of the Iron Age supports Burkert's notion that human behavior is rooted in basic instincts associated with hunting and aggression.
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Burkert's concept that myths and rituals function to reinforce the ______ of a group or community.
Burkert's concept that myths and rituals function to reinforce the ______ of a group or community.
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Burkert believes that myths solely attempt to provide explanations for past events and rituals.
Burkert believes that myths solely attempt to provide explanations for past events and rituals.
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Study Notes
Classics 2200: Classical Mythology - Week 3 Lecture Notes
- Myth, Ritual, and Religion: The week's reading assignment focuses on Hesiod's Works and Days, but the entire Loeb Classical Library is accessible for deeper context.
- Introduction to Hesiod's Works and Days: The week's new text includes the author (Hesiod), title (Works and Days), date (between 750 BCE and 650 BCE), location (Ascra, Boeotia, Greece), and language (Greek).
- Historical Context: Inheritance and the protection of private property were major social issues during Hesiod's time.
- Interpretation of Hesiod's Works and Days: The passage on page 89 highlights themes of the poem, like disputes over inheritance and the importance of self-sufficiency.
- Mythological Themes: The Theogony and Works and Days both feature inheritance, but in different contexts—the gods in one and humans in the other.
- Etiological Interpretation: Myth can be interpreted as an explanation for existing rituals. This is seen in the story of creation of the gods and the origin of life.
- Myth and Ritual Relationship: The course emphasizes a close relationship between myth and ritual, which are ways of establishing and maintaining communities.
- Modern Interpretations: The ideas of charter myth and function of myth in shaping social behavior and values are discussed as a sociological concept.
- Importance of Myth: Myth is a way of giving a social order and establishing cultural norms by using past-events to justify present systems.
- The Role of Ritual: Rituals, like animal sacrifice, establish a sense of community and boundaries, providing a framework for social behavior. This is a common theme throughout greek mythology.
- Ancient Greek Sacrificial Rituals: Animal sacrifice was central to Greek society, shaping rules, treaties, and communal activities.
- Sociobiological Approach to Myths: As an approach to understanding the origins of mythical stories, the sociobiological approach explores how they evolved as responses to basic human needs and concerns.
- The Use of Myth and Ritual: Methods of control for social practice and behavior in the community, and as ways to justify the power dynamics that exist.
- Examples of Myths and Rituals: Several examples were offered – ones that show how they are connected with rituals like the Last Supper (religion), the founding of the University(common practices), and the origins of community participation in politics.
- Human and Divine: Greek mythology often highlights the blurring and intertwining of the borders between human and divine spheres, and how the gods have a part in the development of human behavior.
- The Importance of the Past: The past plays a significant role in forming the present social norms and values in society, and in shaping beliefs and practices.
- The Stories of the Past: Stories from the past, whether stories connected to myths or other parts of history, can be used to help understand and form a set of guidelines or norms for the present, as well as to uphold and justify power relations.
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Description
Explore the themes and historical context of Hesiod's Works and Days in this week's lecture. Delve into the significance of myth and ritual alongside social issues such as inheritance and self-sufficiency. This quiz will enhance your understanding of classical mythology and its interpretations.
