Application of Skills Directions: Apply the Knowledge You Have Gained from Chapter 9

question 20

Multiple Choice

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 9 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
¹Every society, from the smallest band society to the most complex postindustrial society, has a sacred literature called myth that states certain religious truths. Myths, embodying a specific worldview, contain stories of the gods, their origins, their activities, and the moral injunction they teach. Unlike magic or witchcraft, myths serve to answer the larger questions surrounding human existence-such as why we are here. Myths not only have an explanatory function, but they also validate some of the essential beliefs, values, and behavior patterns of a culture. That is, a culture's mythology is closely connected to its moral and social order. It is important to point out that myths need not have any basis in historical fact. Although there may be elements of history in myth (and vice versa) , the importance of myth from an anthropological perspective is that the narrative reflects, supports, and legitimizes patterns of thoughts and behavior.
²A common form of myth is the myth of origin, which provides answers to questions about how things began. Often, these myths tell of the origins of the gods themselves, their adventures, and how they went about creating both humans and the natural environment. Some myths, which can be told in either sacred or profane settings, describe how various gods (or divinely inspired humans) brought about the existence of important cultural features such as government, fire, or agriculture. Another type of myth, known as a trickster myth, is less serious in tone but carries important messages. These often humorous myths serve at least two functions-to reveal the historical origins of certain features of the world and also a moral that is conveyed.
-adapted from Ferraro, Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective , pp. 355-356
What is the main idea of the reading passage?

• A) Myths of origin provide answers to questions about how things began.
• B) Trickster myths, while often humorous, convey a moral message.
• C) Myths in every culture serve to answer complex questions about human existence and validate the society's essential beliefs.
• D) Myths are similar to magic and witchcraft.

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Definitions:

Spouses

Legally married partners or significant others in a committed relationship.

Cognitive Processes

The mental actions or operations that support learning, understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Stimulus

Any external event or situation that influences the behavior or responses of an organism, prompting a physiological or psychological reaction.

Response

A reaction or reply to a particular stimulus or situation.