Question 1

Freudian theory claims that "dream-work" condenses and rearranges ordinary events of daily life into images that express and conceal subconscious desire.

Accepted Answer

This is the basic premise of Freudian dream theory, which holds that the manifest content (the remembered dream) is a distorted version of latent content (unconscious wishes and fears). This distortion is created through processes such as condensation (combining multiple elements into one), displacement (shifting emotions or objects from one element to another), and symbolism (the use of metaphor or analogy). The purpose of dream-work, according to Freud, is to allow the expression of repressed or unacceptable desires in a disguised form.

Question 2

Etiological myths can explain only simple phenomena.

Accepted Answer

Etiological myths are often used to explain the origins of natural phenomena, such as the creation of the world or the existence of animals. These myths are often simple and straightforward, and they do not typically provide a detailed or scientific explanation for the phenomena they describe.

Question 3

Euripides interprets the myth of the birth of Dionysus as an allegory.

Accepted Answer

Euripides treats the birth of Dionysus as an allegory of human experience, portraying the god as a figure who embodies the struggle between reason and passion.

Question 4

The charter theory claims that myths validate existing customs, beliefs, and practices.

Accepted Answer

The charter theory is a functionalist approach to the study of myth which argues that myths serve to validate and justify existing social structures, customs, beliefs, and practices. Therefore, the statement that myths validate existing customs, beliefs, and practices is in line with the charter theory.

Question 5

The "shadow" is the complex of repressed or undervalued aspects of personality, which often cause problems for humans but not for gods like Zeus or heroes like Heracles.

Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect. Even gods and heroes in mythology are often depicted as having their own shadows or flaws in their personalities that can cause problems for them.

Question 6

Anaxagoras interpreted Greek myths as allegories of morals and virtue.

Accepted Answer

Anaxagoras believed that the myths of the Greek gods and heroes were not literal stories, but rather allegorical representations of moral and ethical principles.

Question 7

The theory of ritual is an externalist theory of myth.

Accepted Answer

The theory of ritual suggests that myths are created in order to justify and explain cultural rituals and practices. It focuses on the external manifestation of the myth rather than its internal meaning or symbolism. Therefore, it is considered an externalist theory of myth.

Question 8

Structuralism claims that myths reflect the tripartite structure of the psyche, dividing every story into three components: the Underworld, the earth, and the realm of the gods.

Accepted Answer

Structuralism, particularly as applied to myths by Claude Lévi-Strauss, suggests that myths function to mediate binary oppositions in human thought (e.g., life/death, nature/culture), rather than specifically dividing stories into three components related to the psyche or realms like the Underworld, earth, and the realm of the gods.

Question 9

In one allegorical interpretation, the Greek gods become symbols of natural phenomena and human dispositions.

Accepted Answer

In this interpretation, the Greek gods are seen as representing different aspects of nature and human behavior, such as Zeus representing the sky and leadership, Hera representing marriage and family, and Apollo representing music and prophecy.

Question 10

One of the two general meanings of the term mythology is the methodological study of myths, particularly in terms of their form, purpose, and function.

Accepted Answer

This is one of the two general meanings of the term mythology. The other meaning refers to a collection of myths that belong to a particular cultural or religious tradition.

Question 11

Myth and ritual originate because the people of a community or society feel particularly comfortable and confident about their ability to survive.

Accepted Answer

Myth and ritual originate because the people of a community or society feel a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, and seek to create meaning and stability through storytelling and ceremonial practices.

Question 12

Xenophanes of Colophon objected to the lack of virtue among the gods.

Accepted Answer

Xenophanes criticized the ancient Greek gods and their behavior, particularly their immoral actions and lack of virtuous examples.

Question 13

The story of King Oedipus is used to illustrate the Freudian theory of male infantile sexuality.

Accepted Answer

The story of King Oedipus is used by Sigmund Freud to illustrate the Oedipus complex, a concept in Freudian psychoanalytic theory that describes a child's feelings of desire for his or her opposite-sex parent and jealousy and rivalry with his or her same-sex parent.

Question 14

The Greek philosophical movement changed the way Greek writers viewed their mythology virtually overnight, plunging Greece into an age of general skepticism.

Accepted Answer

The change was gradual, not overnight. Greek philosophical movements, such as those initiated by thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, evolved over time and influenced Greek views on mythology and religion progressively, rather than causing an immediate shift into skepticism.

Question 15

According to Joseph Campbell, the hero's rites of passage represent stages in the hero's psychological development and maturation.

Accepted Answer

Joseph Campbell's theory of the hero's journey emphasizes the psychological and spiritual growth of the hero as they face challenges and overcome obstacles. The rites of passage that the hero undertakes represent steps in their personal development and maturation.

Question 16

Euhemerism is the term for the theory, expressed by Euhemerus of Messene, that the Greek gods were originally mortal kings who had been deified posthumously.

Accepted Answer

Euhemerism is indeed the theory that the Greek gods were originally mortal kings who were later deified.

Question 17

Both Jocasta and the Sphinx mythologically symbolize "mother" to Oedipus.

Accepted Answer

Both Jocasta and the Sphinx are maternal figures in Oedipus' story. Jocasta was Oedipus' biological mother and the Sphinx is often portrayed as a maternal figure in ancient Greek mythology.

Question 18

Feminist scholars have all agreed that the charter theory best explains myth.

Accepted Answer

This statement is too broad and falsely suggests unanimous agreement among feminist scholars. While some feminist scholars may utilize the charter theory to analyze myths, others may use other theories or approaches. Additionally, it is important to recognize that feminist scholars are not a monolithic group and may have varying perspectives on the interpretation of myths.

Question 19

Carl Jung postulates that within the mind of every man exists a male image, the animus, and within the mind of every female exists a female soul, the anima.

Accepted Answer

Carl Jung postulated that within the mind of every man exists a female image, the anima, and within the mind of every woman exists a male image, the animus.

Question 20

The nature-myth theory sees the gods as personifications of human institutions.

Accepted Answer

The nature-myth theory sees the gods as personifications of natural forces, not human institutions.

Quiz 2: Ways of Interpreting Myth Part Two Epic Myths