Click on the blue link to read the myth of Pandora's Box then answer the questions below the prompt using specific examples from the story as support. Your answer should be TWO paragraphs long and should be written in paragraph form using the TEA (Topic, Evidence, Analysis) method.
1. Why is it important that the last thing Pandora let out of the box was Hope? What does this say about the future of humankind?
In the myth of Pandora's Box, it is significant that the last thing Pandora released from the box was Hope. This is crucial because it reflects the optimism and resilience of humankind, even in the face of hardships and difficulties. In the story, Zeus had given Pandora a box containing all the evils of the world and warned her not to open it. However, consumed by curiosity, she opened the box, inadvertently releasing all the miseries and hardships into the world. Yet, amidst all the suffering and despair, Pandora managed to keep Hope trapped inside the box, symbolizing that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope and possibility for a better future.
An example that supports this is when Pandora opens the box, and all the evils such as sickness, jealousy, and hatred escape. As these plagues spread across the world, humans suffer immensely, and it seems that there is no respite from their anguish. However, trapped at the very bottom of the box, Hope remains untouched. This signifies that even when all seems lost, humans can find solace in the power of optimism and belief in a better future. Another example that reinforces this idea is when Pandora closes the lid of the box, sealing Hope inside. This action emphasizes the idea that Hope is an essential part of human existence, forever present, and that it provides the motivation and courage to overcome struggles and define a positive path for humankind.
Overall, the fact that Hope was the last entity to escape from Pandora's Box highlights the enduring nature of optimism and the belief that brighter days lie ahead. It symbolizes the resilience of humanity, even in the face of adversity, and the endless potential for growth and improvement in the future.