2015-2016西方文化概论-复习提纲

1.What are the major functions of Greek mythology?

The first one is explanation. Greek myths lent structure and order to the world and explained how the current state of things had originated. One of the commonest types of explanation given in myths relates to ritual. Myths helped worshipers make sense of a religious practice by telling how the practice originated. A prime example is sacrifice, a ritual that involved killing a domesticated animal as an offering to the gods. The second one is exploration. Myths charted paths through difficult territory, examining contradictions and ambiguities. For instance,one of Homer’s Iliads’s themes explores the limits of honor.The dramatic genre of tragedy provides the clearest example of mythical exploration. The third one is legitimation（合法化). A claim, an action, or a relationship acquired extra authority if it had a precedent（先例） in myth. The final one is entertainment. Myth telling was a source of enjoyment and entertainment.,which was seen in Homer’s epics and some performances of tragic dramas.

2.“Achilles’ Heel” is an idiom contributed to English language by Homer

in his epic of Iliad. What are the meaning and origin of this idiom?

It means a weak or vulnerable factor.The legend of Achilles has it that he was dipped into the river Styx by his mother Thetis in order to make him invulnerable. His heel wasn't covered by the water and he was later killed by an arrow wound to his heel.

3.Why is Homer regarded as one of the most important figures in Western

history?

Homer is best known as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. He was believed by the ancient Greeks to have been the first and greatest of the epic poets. Author of the first known literature of Europe, he is central to the Western canon.Homer was the earliest molder of the Greek outlook and character. For centuries, Greek youngsters grew up reciting the Homeric epics and admiring the Homeric heroes, who strove for honor and faced suffering and death with courage.

4.In what important ways was Aristotle different from Plato? What are

some of Aristotle’s works that are still influential today?

1)Aristotle was different from Plato in theories of ideas,forms,ethical thoughts and political

thoughts. Aristotle emphasized direct observation of nature and insisted that theory should follow fact. This is different from Plato’s reliance on subjective thinking.

2)He thought that “idea” and matter together made concrete individual realities in which he

differed from Plato who held that ideas had higher reality than the political world.

His significant works includes: Ethics, Politics and Rhetoric.

5.Who was Moses? What did he do for the Hebrews?

Moses was a famous Hebrew leader. Around 1300 B.C., Moses led the Hebrews to leave Egypt for the Promised Land. This was called the Exodus which lasted forty years. When the wandering Hebrews left the desert and entered the mountainous Sinai, Moses climbed to the top of the mountain to receive form god message, which came to be known as the Ten Commandments. He died shortly before the Hebrews arrived at their homeland.

6.What is the chief Roman achievement in architecture? Give some

examples.

1)The Romans were great engineers. They covered their world from one end to the other with

roads, bridges,aqueducts, theatres and arenas.

2)Some examples:

A. The Pantheon: the greatest the best preserved Roman temple built in 27

B.

C..

B. Pont du Gard: it is an exceptionally well-preserved aqueduct that spans a wide valley in

southern France.

7.What contribution did the Romans make to the laws of many

continental European countries?

Romans made contributions to the development of Roman law in form of Jus Civile, Jus Gentium Corpus and Juris Civilis.

The systematic study of Roman law spread from Italy throughout Europe from the 12th century onward. With the revival of European commerce and the inadequacy of medieval law