Reading Final
Devin Vorthmann
Demeter and Persephone
(a) What was the consequence of Demeter’s actions?
The consequence of Demeter's actions were that nothing grew or prospered, the cattle died, there was too much sun and rain. It seamed mankind would die of hunger. So Zeus sent Hermes to go to the underworld and bring Persephone back up.
(b) How did humankind suffer as a result of one individual’s impulses?
Humankind suffered because of Demeter because she killed every plant, and beacuse of that the cattle died, also she made it to hot and rainy for anything to grow, so lots of people died because of her.
(c) What does this myth suggest about the effects of an individual’s actions on the
community as a whole?The myth suggests that one person's actions can hurt or even destroy a whole community, so that's why a community needs to work together even on the smallest things.
Popocatepetl and Ixtlaccihuatl
(a) Was the Emperor’s decision at the legend’s beginning better for the individual or the community?
It is better for the community because the people don't have to change and adapt to a new ruler, laws, and way of life.
(b) Is it ever important to consider the needs of a community over the needs of an
individual? Explain.Yes, it is important to consider the needs of the community over the needs of a individual, because a community can do a lot more than an individual. For example a community can build things a lot faster than an individual, and survive longer.
Sun and Moon in a Box
(a) How do Coyote’s ignorance and selfishness cause harm to others?
Coyote's ignorance harms others by making winter, and the people on earth are not ready for it so they may die of the cold.
(b) Which character bears more blame for losing the sun and moon? Why?
I think the eagle bears more of the blame because he was the one who let coyote carry the box and eagle let coyote out of his sight when they stopped.
(c) What does this folk tale imply about the individual’s responsibility to the community?This folk tale implies that all the individuals have to work together to reach a goal, and that one individual can ruin the community's plan.