Question

One way to interpret the gods in Greek myths is to see them as personifications of forces in nature like the sea or lightning, or of abstract concepts like wisdom or forethought. Yet Baldwin says this kind of reading is “an error” that takes the charm out of these tales and reduces their “precious gold into utilitarian iron.” Why might Baldwin believe this? What happens to characterization or other literary elements in the story if we read the gods as personifications instead of literally? This is for the story "the story of Prometheus and Pandora's box" by James Baldwin

Answer 1

Answer:

One way to interpret the gods in greek myths is to see them as personifications of forces in nature like the sea or lightning, or of abstract concepts like wisdom or forethought. yet baldwin says this kind of reading is “an error” that takes the charm out of these tales and reduces their “precious gold into utilitarian iron.” why might baldwin believe this? what happens to characterization or other literary elements in the story if we read the gods as personifications instead of literally?