(高级)实用英语口语31.Themythofprometheus.docVIP

(高级)实用英语口语 31.The myth of prometheus NEW AGE ARTIST追: 求知识从某种程度上是被禁止的,那么试图找到知识就是毁灭性的。 这一点已经成为从普罗米修斯到弗兰肯斯坦、从浮士德博士到奥本海默这些文学作品永恒的 主题。 The myth of Prometheus has influenced western literature for over 2000 years. Why? In Greek myth, Prometheus created Man from clay, against the wishes of Zeus. He further angered Zeus by stealing fire by lighting a torch from the Chariot of the Sun and taking hot coals to Man. NEWAGEARTIST:Writers and painters throughout history have used the Promethean myth as an allusion to make two distinct points: the quest for forbidden knowledge and the strength to resist oppression. Lets consider a few writers who took Prometheus as a theme to discuss the pursuit of knowledge and where it can lead. The myth first appeared in the Greek epic poem Theogony, written by Hesiod around 700 BC, where Prometheus appears as an upstart trickster who steals fire from the gods. Prometheus means foresight and in Hesiods account, foresight is doomed to get the better of Heaven and so, NEW AGE ARTIST:to punish his insolence, he is chained to a rock where his liver is plucked out and eaten daily by an eagle for all eternity. In Hesiod, the story reinforces the theodicy of Zeus, who is wise and just, whilst Prometheus, in over reaching for knowledge that wasnt his to take, is to blame for humanitys sorry condition. Aeschylus, 5th Century Greek tragedian, while telling the samestory, has a different angle. For him, Prometheus, as well as the bringer of fire and civilization to Man, is also their preserver. Zeus had intended to destroy humanity and create a new race. NEWAGEARTIST:So in this version Prometheus symbolizes resistance to oppression. Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus, was written by Mary Shelley and was published in eighteen eighteen. Victor Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who creates the monster. Victor, just like Prometheus, arrogantly assumed the power to act as a Creator with no regard for the potential consequences. In his quest for kn