Question

1. which two classical characters were told that they should follow the golden mean?

midas and narcissus

sisyphus and bellerophon

icarus and phaethon

Explanation:

Analyze the Golden Mean concept

The Golden Mean represents the desirable middle path between two extremes (excess and deficiency). In Classical Mythology, characters are often warned to avoid extremes to prevent disaster.

Evaluate Icarus and Phaethon

Icarus was warned by his father Daedalus to fly the middle course—neither too low (where dampness would clog the wings) nor too high (where the sun would melt the wax). Phaethon was warned by his father Helios to keep a middle path while driving the sun chariot, avoiding going too high or too low. Both ignored this advice, representing classic violations of the Golden Mean.

Evaluate other options

Midas and Narcissus represent greed and self-love rather than warnings about flying/driving a middle path. Sisyphus and Bellerophon represent hubris and punishment, but are not specifically famous for being told to follow the Golden Mean in the same parallel manner as Icarus and Phaethon.

Answer:

• Midas and Narcissus
• Sisyphus and Bellerophon
• Icarus and Phaethon (Correct answer)