Click the blue link to read the myth of Pandora’s Box then answer the questions below prompt using specific examples from the story as support. Be sure your response is TWO paragraphs, includes a TAG to introduce the response, and uses the TEA method (Topic, Evidence, Analysis) to organize your writing.
In Greek mythology, the gods often display character traits that are very human. Choose ONE of the main male characters from the story (Zeus, Epimetheus, OR Prometheus) and describe how his character traits are similar to those of humans.
In the story, what is Pandora’s defining character trait? How is this important to the development of the story?
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 story of Pandora’s Box, one of the main male characters is Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus displays character traits that are similar to those of humans. For example, Zeus is portrayed as a figure with a strong sense of power and authority. He is depicted as being impulsive and making decisions based on his emotions rather than rationality. This is evident when Zeus punishes Prometheus for stealing fire and giving it to humans. Instead of considering the consequences of his actions, Zeus reacts out of anger and punishes Prometheus by having him chained to a rock and having his liver eaten by an eagle every day.
Another human-like trait exhibited by Zeus is his tendency to be swayed by vanity and flattery. This is demonstrated when Zeus instructs Hephaestus to create Pandora, the first woman, as a punishment to humans. Zeus is influenced by the other gods who praise his decision to create Pandora, as they believe she will bring misery to mankind. Instead of thinking about the long-term consequences of his actions, Zeus is more concerned about his own satisfaction and desire for revenge.
The defining character trait of Pandora is curiosity. This trait is important to the development of the story as Pandora's curiosity leads her to open the forbidden box, thus releasing all the evils into the world. Her curiosity is what drives the plot forward and initiates the suffering and hardships faced by humanity. If Pandora had not been curious and resisted the temptation, then the evils would have remained trapped in the box, and humans could have lived in a world free from pain and suffering.
It is crucial that the last thing Pandora let out of the box was Hope. This signifies that even in the darkest times, there is a glimmer of hope that can provide solace and resilience to humankind. Hope represents the future of humanity and its ability to overcome challenges and find optimism in difficult times. Despite the pain and suffering that Pandora's curiosity unleashed upon the world, it is hope that allows humans to persevere and look forward to a brighter future. This reinforces the idea that although humans may face hardships, they have the capacity for resilience and optimism, thanks to the existence of hope.