Question

mythological tale: the following tale is based on ancient greek myths. the ancient
greeks believed demeter, their goddess of agriculture, caused bountiful harvests when she was
pleased and famine when she was displeased. a devoted mother, demeters love for her
daughter, was said to be so enduring and profound, it affected all of nature.

1. demeter, goddess of the harvest, cherished her daughter, persephone. the joy she felt in

persephones company could not be contained; it spilled over and watered the thirsty fields with
abundant blessings. plump ears of barley and tall stalks of wheat swayed in every valley. farmers
never planted a seed that did not sprout or tended a tree that did not bear fruit.

1. lively and carefree, persephone spent her days in pure delight, marveling at her mothers

work and enjoying the beauty all around her. little did she know that she was observed—hades,
god of the underworld, spied her as she wandered, and soon fell in love with her. he asked his
brother zeus, king of the gods, for permission to take her as his bride.

1. one day, as she wandered, persephone discovered a flower unlike any she had seen—a

marvelous one hundred blooms! when she reached out to take the flower, however, the

which choice best explains the way theme connects to moral and human nature at the story’s
a.
theme: life is a balance of competing forces
how developed: a compromise between gods causes the cycle of the seasons
connection to context: the ancient greeks depended on the land and sea their
b.
theme: the goal of life is the elimination of evil
how developed: a compromise between gods causes the cycle of the seasons
connection to context: the ancient greeks depended on the land and sea their
c.
theme: life is a balance of reciprocating forces
how developed: one god’s quest for his love leads to a balanced
connection to context: the ancient greeks were believers in the divine will

Explanation:

The myth of Persephone and Hades is a well - known ancient Greek myth. In this myth, Persephone's abduction by Hades and her mother Demeter's grief cause a change in the seasons. When Persephone is in the underworld (with Hades), Demeter's sadness leads to winter (as plants don't grow), and when Persephone returns (a compromise), there is spring and summer (growth). This shows a balance of competing forces (Demeter's love for her daughter and Hades' claim) which is closely tied to the seasons.

Answer:

A. Theme: Life is a balance of competing forces. Connection to Context: A compromise between gods causes the cycle of the seasons.