Brian Jiang Period 2 10/17/19 - Blog#1

SIT Brian Jiang
20E 10/17/2019
Modern Mythology 2020
Aim: How can we explicate the flower-myths to derive morals?
Discussions Topics
Pandora:
❖ We discussed the relation between humanity and the opening of Pandora’s box. The
action of Pandora opening the box despite her being warmed not to open it we attributed
that to the idea that humanity is inherently sinful, evil, or imperfect. Mrs. Fusaro raised
the point that Pandora being a woman and her opening a box was no accident which
launched us into a further discussion of the role of woman in context of that specific time
period and beyond like the existence of a patriarchy for much of human society, the
definition of misogyny, the reason for women’s subordinating role in most of society, and
also the connection between Pandora’s box to the creation story of Adam and Eve with
the latter eating the forbidden fruit which is the originator of sin.

Chronos and Rhea:
❖ From the story of Chronos and Rhea we concluded on two statements:
1. The sins of the parent do not disappear and will be carried on by the next generation.
2. It is up to future generations to be better and not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Thus, the story in detail of Chronos’ father imprisoning his sons, Chronos eating his sons,
and Zeus eating the mother of Athena along with her unborn child are considered
cautionary tales. As young children we are dependent on the guidance of parents and
tales to prevent us from engaging in bad behavior and habits. This showing the
consequences of bad parenting and elevates us being responsible for learning about past
mistakes.

Other Creation Questions:
❖ A question I wanted to raise is whether or not Pandora being related to Prometheus who
granted fire to humanity is a coincidence to the forbidden fruit from Adam and Eve
symbolizing knowledge. However, under time constraints that point was not thoroughly
developed.

Reflections:
Today we learned of two cases in mythology, specifically Pandora’s box & Chronos and Rhea,
and what lessons can we draw from them. From Pandora’s box we gained greater insight to the
rationale behind Greek society and even societies after that on why the viewed women the way
they do. From Chronos and Rhea, we gained insight on the idea of mistakes and sins will pass on
and we have an inherent responsibility to better ourselves by reflecting on the past. To connect
back to the aim, I say these tales and any further tales can be used to make us reflect upon
ourselves critically and potentially become better human beings.