2012西安交大欧洲文化渊源口试话题答案.doc

Topics for speaking practice (2012 spring)1. How was man created in Greek myths? Please compare the differences of creation of man in Chinese myths and Greek myths. In Greek myths, its Prometheus who shaped man out of mud, and Athena breathed life into his clay figure. But in Chinese myths, its Nuwa who created men by moulding yellow clay, and gave them life and the ability to bear children. I think that the biggest difference between Greek myths and Chinese myths is that in Chinese myths, men are not created as equal, the men created by yellow clay are rich and noble, others are poor and low, but in Greek myths, it seems that every man is created equal. 2. In what aspects do you think that Greek gods are quite like human beings? Why did ancient people create gods?Firstly, Greek gods have their own desires and emotions. For instance, Zeus has many lovers. It seems that in Greek myths, gods can fall in love with mortals and immortals freely. Secondly, Greek gods are not perfect compared to Chinese gods. They also have flaws. For example, Uranus pushes his own children into the womb of Gaea and Cronus eats his children cutelyThirdly, they may be not so tolerant. In the Trojan War, gods are involved and judge the victory only because their fame or benefits are hurt.I think ancient people created gods to try to explain the things they couldnt understand and expressed some views using the hands of gods. 3. What kind of people can be considered as heroes in Greek myths? What is your understanding of “heroes” in modern times?People who have a mortal parent and an immortal one are regarded as heroes in Greek myths. But today, the definition of hero changes. In modern times, those are called heroes who devote to their countries or collectivities. They neednt have especial power but they must have some especial characters: bravery, wisdom, selflessness or sacrifice. I think heroes are someone who do something incredible to help others.4. Which story of love in the Trojan War impresses you most? What is your understanding about love?The story of Paris and Helen impresses me most. Many people may blame that Paris and Helen are selfish to fall in love recklessly. But I dont think so. I think love is only something between one and the other. Love is selfish after all. We love others without warning. We dont think about how it will go tomorrow before we fall in love with others. On the contrary, in my opinion, Paris and Helen are brave. Their energy of power can be stronger than the power of Agamemnon. 5. Why did Odysseus refuse the offer of immortality and was determined to go back home? Do you think what he pursued is still important for a person in modern society?Odysseus refused the offer of immortality because he was homesick and wanted to go home. I think its more important for us modern people. With the quick pace of our life, many people live under heavy presses. If we ignore home, our last castle, and the persons we love, we will lose the strongest support. Then we may lose our way in the complex society. Its our family, people who love us deeply, who give us new courage to face life cheerfully. So anyway we cannot forget to go back home. 6. Can you give us an example of the story of punishment in Greek myths? What lessons can we learn from the story?For example, Prometheus was punished to be seized at the Caucasus Mountains, and was chained to a rock and was tormented day and night by a giant eagle tearing his liver. I think the story told us the restless pain. Prometheus was torn by the eagle every day and it seems permanent. I think the biggest pain is not depriving your life but giving you hope and destroying it latter. However, Prometheus didnt give up. Finally, he was set free. So we shouldnt lose heart even when we face the worst situation. 7. Why do human beings have the original sin according to the Bible? Whats your opinion on the nature of human beings, good or evil?According the Bible, Adam and Eve ate the fruits of good and evil which was forbidden. And the sin was passed to their offspring and became the origins of any evils, disasters, pain, and death. I think people are both good as they are born. But society is complex. Its the circumstance that turns good men into evil. Everyone wants to have a better day because society is unjust and everyone has his desires. If the society were just and everyone were equal, there would be no evils. 8. What do you know about the Ten Commandments? What is your opinion about law and freedom? The Ten Commandments were commandments between Hebrew people and the Lord after they fled from Egypt. Moses went to the Mount Sinai as Lord commanded. Then Lord gave the Ten Commandments. I think law and freedom are not contradictory. We pursued freedom by persistence. But we shouldnt ignore the use of law. Our society would lose its order if there were not laws regulating us. In a word, we should have completed laws but we shouldnt astrict ones freedom. 9. Why is Solomon said to be a wise king? How important do you think wisdom is in ones life? Firstly, Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and the Lord gave him.Secondly, Solomon used his wisdom administrating his country well.So he was said to be a wise king.I think wisdom is more important than power, wealth, power, resentments, and frustrations and so on because these may disappear someday, but as long as you have wisdom, you are not poor. You can use your wisdom to gain other things.So I believe that wisdom is most important gift the Lord gave to us. 10. Could you tell us two western holidays which have thei