1、How would you describe the character of Oedipus? What character traits are dominant in his personality? Oedipus is a complex character. confident, valiant and courageous to answer the riddle of the Sphinx despite her threat of death intelligent to solve the riddle compassionate to have saved Thebes
2、in the past and pledge to save it again efficient in governing, wise to be revered by his subjects strong moral sense filled with pride a hero-on-a-questa king-as-sacrificial-scapegoat 替罪羊He wants to rid Thebes of the plague, but fate and the gods have other things in store for him. His exile rescue
3、s Thebes. Thus, Oedipus is “sacrificed” on the “altar”.What role did oracles play in Ancient Greece, in Oedipus fate? Oracles were very important to Greeks and became part of Greek life. 1. Greeks sought approval of gods, often at Delphic oracle, where prophet spoke gods will.2. Greeks considered or
4、acles of the gods as right judges of characters. When all of the prophecies come true, it appears that one of Sophocles aims is to justify the powers of the gods and prophets. To what should Jasons success be ascribed ? His perseverance Echo loves someone who cannot love another. The Moral:Dont fall
5、 in love with yourself. Direct your love toward someone real.Dont love wrongly. Unless we are loved, we fade to nothingness.What is the theme of the story of Echo and Narcissus? The effects of romantic love and self-love can be devastating. Excessive pride. Unrequited love. Vengeance. Male abuse of
6、females. give a sop to Cerberus：bribe to make peace with a potential source of danger or problems It would be a crime to give a sop to Cerberus.行贿是犯罪行为。 The patient is waiting to cross the Styx.这个病人已经在等死了。 Do you see any similarities between Greek myths and Chinese myths in the underworld? What woul
7、d be the influence of the stories of the underworld on people living in ancient times? The underworld is a mirror of the world above. It reveals much about peoples hopes and fears for the afterlife. It often contains lessons about how people should live their lives. To make preparation for the after
8、life，rituals associated with death were held to help the deceased in his or her journey to the afterlife. What prevented Persephones complete freedom from the Underworld? What can the pomegranate symbolize? The pomegranate： the food of the dead; the deceptive nature of the underworld: although it is
9、 temptingly sweet and attractive, its power is strong and irreversible; temptation, gluttony gltni n. 暴饮暴食 and earthly pressure. Perseus defeated Medusa and got her head. Jason obtained th Golden Fleece. Heracles accomplished twelve labors. Theseus went to the Labyrinth and killed the Minotaur. Cadm
10、us slew a dragon and sowed the dragons teeth to found Thebes. Oedipus solved the Sphinx RiddleCharacteristics of Heroes in Greek Mythology Having an unusual conception or birth Being abandoned at birth or while very young Being favored by the gods Being the subject of a prophesy Being super-powerful
11、 and extremely brave Performing an impossible mission Going on a quest Marrying a princess Dying an ignoble deathWhat is a hero? A person admired for bravery, great deeds, or noble qualities. A person distinguished in a particular field, such as an astronaut. A person distinguished for exceptional c
12、ourage, taking risks, making sacrifices. A person who is a leader and is recognized in the community as such. Heroes take risks and make personal sacrifices.Representation of the duality: the rational representation of duality Zeus:I. as a god the supreme god of the heavens and the earth, omnipotent
13、 and omniscient preserver of order and justice conqueror of the old matriarchal system symbol of rationalityII. as a man a conqueror of women, mortal as well as immortal a harassed, irritated and philandering husband as just as he is terrible a contradictory image of the God of highest law and justice; a being or state of being controlled by libido and beyond social morality; a being of great potential and contradiction
