毕业论文定稿

摘 要

希腊神话是希腊艺术的“武库”和“土壤”，也是欧美文艺取之不尽的艺术源泉 。 马克思曾说：“希腊神话不只是希腊艺术的武库，而且是它的土壤”。 希腊神话凸显的是人的精神，回荡着昂扬、乐观、健康的现世气息。本研究通过古希腊神话故事背景及其故事的内容进行探究，将神话故事进行大致分类。再将各类神话故事进行细致分析并找出运用其中的英语俗语，了解并探究这些英语俗语的特点及其类型和运用等方面。本研究还对希腊神话中的俗语对后来的影响进行了探究，了解到它们对现代语言，文学，艺术等方面都有着重要的影响。

关键词：希腊神话; 俗语; 文学

Abstract

Greek mythology is the "armory" and "soil" of Greek art, is also the inexhaustible source of art in European and American literary. Marx once said: "Greek mythology is not only the armory of Greek art, but also its soil". Greek mythology highlight the human spirit, echoed with great enthusiasm, optimistic and healthy life. Through the ancient Greek myth story background and content of the story, this research will classify the tales and analysis all kinds of myths and find out the use of it. To understand and explore the characteristics and the types of these English proverb and etc, this study also explores the Greek mythology proverb, the influence of modern language, literature, art, etc.

Keywords : Greek mythology; literature; proverb

目录

摘 要 ................................................................................................................... 1

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 5

2 Summary of myth ................................................................................................. 6

2.1 An overview of Greek myths ......................................................................... 6

3 Research on classification of English idioms in ancient Greek mythology ..... 7

3.1 Some English proverbs from the Twelve Olympians in Greek mythology ... 7

3.1.1 Horn of Plenty and Abundance ............................................................ 7

3.1.2 An Apple of Discord ............................................................................ 7

3.2 Some English proverbs from the other gods in Greek mythology ................. 8

3.2.1 The wheel of fortune ............................................................................ 8

3.2.2 Web of life . ........................................................................................... 9

3.3. Some English proverbs from the stories of heros in Greek mythology. ....... 9

3.3.1 Achilles' heel ........................................................................................ 9

3.3.2 Cadmean victory ................................................................................ 10

3.4 Some English proverbs from the stories of half demigods in Greek mythology.

............................................................................................................................ 10

3.4.1 Pile Pelion on Ossa . ............................................................................ 10

3.5. Some English proverbs from the stories of mortals in Greek mythology. .. 10

3.5.1 Midas touch ........................................................................................ 10

4 Today's English proverbs derived from Greek mythology ............................. 12

4.1 The direct use of proverbs in Greek mythology . .......................................... 12

4.2 The indirect use of proverbs of Greek mythology . ....................................... 13

5 The influence of Greek mythology proverbs on the current literature ......... 14

5.1 Greek mythology proverbs provide a solid foundation for the development of

British and American literature .......................................................................... 14

5.2 Greek mythology provides the unique way of thinking for literary ............. 14

5.3 For the British and American literature works provide a rich source of story15

6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 16

7 Bibliography . ....................................................................................................... 17

8 Acknowledgement . .............................................................................................. 18

1 Introduction

Mythology is the first precious spiritual wealth of human creation. It is not only a kind of pure literature, but also an integrated mass of social ideology which includes religion, philosophy, politics, art, customs, science, history in the primitive society. Every country and nation has its own myths. Ancient Greek played a huge role in the development of European literature. It‘s not only the source of western culture, but also a key of vitality and deep roots in every language and culture in the west. With regard to English language, the profound influence of the Greek myth can be seen everywhere.

2 Summary of myth

2.1 An overview of Greek myths

Greek mythology is the spirit of the primitive clan society, It ‘s also the original European folk oral creation which produced in the 12th century BC to the 8th century BC. It merged the legends and stories happened in Asia minor , the Aegean region and Egypt. Greek mythology consists of two parts of the story of god and the legend of heroes. The ancient Greek poet Homer's two epic poem Iliad and the Odyssey contains most of the Greek mythology. Zeus is the center of 12 gods who are in charge of nature and all kinds of phenomena and things in life. The hero of the legend are mostly descendants of gods and normal people, they are brave, heroic and embodies the perseverance that human try to conquer nature . The mythical god and man are is Morphy and have the same temperament. In many fairy tales, gods have the same envy, selfish, cruel, cunning and strong revenge with ordinary people. But there are also great gods like Prometheus who benefit mankind. The basic difference between the god and man is the god‘s special ability, they can forever live and have a leisure life. Human will die and have a hard life. Greek mythology of the gods and heroes are uninhibited 、publicizing individuality and pay attention to individual character which is our familiar individualism and it‘s also the core of American values in life nowadays. Besides, Greek Mythology has important influence on English root and idioms.

3 Research on classification of English idioms in

ancient Greek mythology

3.1 Some English proverbs from the Twelve Olympians in Greek mythology

3.1.1 Horn of Plenty and Abundance

After Zeus was born, his mother Rhea was afraid of him being swallowed by his father Cronus, so she hid him in a cave of Crete and entrusted to the fairy Amalthea to raise Zeus. Amalthea fed him with support milk. (One saying was that Alma was a female goat, she used her breast milk to feed Zeus). The goat had one broken horn, she gave Zeus the broken horn full of flowers and fruit. After overthrew the rule of his father, Zeus became the king of the gods, he brought Amalthea and the horn to the sky. The claw is a treasure, the owner will get what they want. It‘s viewed as a symbol of infinite wealth and abundance. People call it "the cornucopia". Horn of plenty and horn of abundance can be seen as Amalthea‘s horn.

For example: Nature, very oddly, when the horn of plenty is quite empty, always fills it with babies. It is the use of ―horn of plenty‖. It means that there are many babies born with a poor life. It carried the myth color and some thinking of the god like ―Why the gods did this, maybe they wanted to exercise a strong heart.‖

3.1.2 An Apple of Discord

At the wedding party of Peleus and Thetis all the gods were invited with the exception of Eris of discord. Enraged at her exclusion, Eris threw a golden apple with the inscription among the guests, "For the fairest." Thereupon Hera, Venus, and Athena each claimed the apple. They came to Zeus for judgment. Zeus was not willing to decide in so delicate a matter, he sent the goddesses to Mount Ida where the beautiful shepherd Paris was tending his flocks, and to him was committed the decision. The goddesses accordingly appeared before him. Hera promised him power and riches,

Athena glory and renown in war, and Venus the fairest of women for his wife, each attempting to bias his decision in her own favor. Paris decided in favor of Venus and gave her the golden apple, thus making the two other goddesses became his enemies. Under the protection of Venus, Paris sailed to Greece. The wife of Menelaus, Helen, was the very woman whom Venus had destined for Paris, the fairest of her sex. She had been sought as a bride by numerous suitors, and before her decision was made known, they all, at the suggestion of Ulysses, one of their number, took an oath that they would defend her from all injury and avenge her cause if necessary. She chose Menelaus, and was living with him happily when Paris became their guest. Paris, aided by Venus, persuaded her to elope with him and carried her to Troy, whence arose the famous Trojan war.

So the apple of discord refers to the cause of right and wrong.

There are many other English proverbs come from the Twelve Olympians in Greek mythology. Such as olive branch、Hercules ‘ choice、under the aegis of、rest on one‘s laurels and so on.

3.2 Some English proverbs from the other gods in Greek mythology

3.2.1 The wheel of fortune

Derived from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the image on the monument or in the painting of destiny goddess Fortuna with one hand holding claw is a symbolic of given abundance; the image of the goddess with another hand holding the wheel is the symbol of fate. In legend, it‘s often unpredictable because of the wheel's rotation and constantly changing. In Greek mythology, the goddess of fate is Tyche. It‘s commonly used in English that Fortune is represented as Fortune and Fortuna which also comes from the Latin Fortuna. Therefore, the wheel of Fortune‘s literal meaning is "wheel of destiny goddess" or "the wheel of Fortune", after the reference to "fate" or "the vicissitudes of life". These words can also say "roulette (a rotating on-screen)".

For example: The wheel of fortune dealt him another blow when his business failed; Beware the wheel of fortune---‘tis a gin, you‘ll lose a dozen times for once you win. This sentence is a think and explore about destiny. There is truth in it. ―You ‘ll lose a dozen times for once you win.‖

3.2.2 Web of life

According to Greek and Roman mythology, the fate of people are arranged and decided by the Fates i.e. Moirae. One of them is responsible for the spinning line of life (web of life), another decided the short lengths of the line of life, another is responsible for cutting off the line of life. So people in the web of life (lifeline) refers to "fate", especially "complex" of life.

The English proverbs come from the other gods in Greek mythology is not as much as the Twelve Olympians. But it also has a profound influence on people.

3.3. Some English proverbs from the stories of heros in Greek mythology.

3.3.1 Achilles' heel

In Greek mythology, when Achilles was a baby, it was foretold that he would die young. To prevent his death, his mother Thetis took Achilles to the River Styx, which was supposed to offer powers of invulnerability, and dipped his body into the water. But as Thetis held Achilles by the heel, his heel was not washed over by the water of the magical river. After a few years, Achilles grew up to be a man of war who survived many great battles. Achilles was brave, courageous and invincible in battle of the Trojan War. However, the sun god Apollo knew of Achilles' weak spot, and disclosed it to the Trojan prince Paris. Paris used a poisonous arrow which shot at him was lodged in his heel, killing him shortly after.

For example: The girl is a good student, but pronunciation is her Achilles‘ heel; His Achilles‘ heel was his pride—he would get very angry if anyone criticized his work. In

those two sentences, we can see two different ways of using the proverb. Achilles‘ heel could be your weakness or your special advantage.

3.3.2 Cadmean victory

In Greek mythology, Phoenicia‘s prince Cadmus had to kill a dragon, and buried the dens in the ground, the result gave birth to a group of fierce warriors, in an attempt to kill him. He followed Athena‘s advice and threw a stone to let them compete for and kill each other. In the end there were only five people left. The five men would help him build the city of Thebes, and introduced the text. People call this victory of Cadmean victory to compare "costly victory".

Most English proverbs come from the stories of heros in Greek mythology promote human's heroic courage, fearless.

3.4 Some English proverbs from the stories of half demigods in Greek mythology.

3.4.1 Pile Pelion on Ossa

In Greek mythology, Poseidon had two grandchildren twin sons, named Otus and Ephialthes, called Aloidea. They are very tall and strong. In order to board the heaven to woo the queen Hera and the goddess of hunting Artemis, they tried to put the Pelion base to the mount Ossa. But before they began, they had been killed by the sun god Apollo, plan unrealized. Later generations use pile Pelion on Ossa to express "harder" or "higher and higher." These words are also called ―heap Pelion on Ossa.

3.5. Some English proverbs from the stories of mortals in Greek mythology.

3.5.1 Midas touch

This old saying comes from Greek mythology. Midas was the king of Phrygia. Midas had a gift – everything he touched turned into gold. But he soon learns that an

excessive love of riches squeezes the truly valuable things out of life.

One day, while walking in his garden, he saw an elderly satyr (forest god, half man half beast) asleep in the flowers. Taking pity on the old fellow, King Midas treated him great courtesy and let him go without punishment. When the god Dionysus heard about it, he rewarded King Midas by granting him one wish. The king thought for only a second and then said ―I wish for everything I touch to turn to gold." And so it was. The beautiful flowers in his garden turned toward the sun for light, but when Midas approached and touched them, they stood rigid and gold. The king grew hungry and thin, for each time he tried to eat, he found that his meal had turned to gold. His lovely daughter, at his loving touch, turned hard and fast to gold

His water, his bed, his clothes, his friends, and eventually the whole palace became gold. King Midas saw that soon his whole kingdom would turn to gold unless he did something right away. He asked Dionysus to turn everything back to the way it had been and take back his golden touch. Because the king was ashamed and very sad, Dionysus took pity on him and granted his request. Instantly, King Midas was poorer than he had been, but richer, he felt, in the things that really counted. And as long as he lived, he rejoiced in all that was simple and natural.

According to this story, the Midas touch refers to the ability to make a lot of money ," The ability of making money of everything and everywhere". The phrase is often used with verbs ―have‖.

4 Today's English proverbs derived from Greek

mythology

English idioms are the quintessence of the language. It helps English vocabularies become more and more abundant and vigor. Through study the definition and characteristics of English idiom, and the English idioms from myths of Greek and Roman. We get the better understanding in English idioms and culture. English idioms is an important part of the English language, it is the epitome of the language. It includes the special and fixed phrase and short sentences that only the English language has. The structure of English idioms is flexible, it can be long or short, and it is compendious. There‘s much influence of the Myths of Greek on English. The Greek mythology is an important part of the ancient culture that has vast and deep influence on the whole western culture. So many expressions from myths of Greek, specially some idioms, are getting into the society life of Britain and America, through the works of literature and art. It is not only enriching the English vocabularies, but also enhancing the sense of express.

4.1 The direct use of proverbs in Greek mythology English idioms are concise, comprehensive and vivid, and are generally used figuratively. The meanings of idioms are often implied in the images and figures they contain. Therefore, during the course of study, one should not ignore the idioms; their strong national and cultural characteristics should be taken into consideration for the purpose of better cross-cultural communication. Many idioms of Greek mythology are still being used in the same way. They are widely used now and have a far-reaching influence. For example: ―apple of discord‖ These words are often used to refer to "dispute arises" or "curse". Like ―His lawyer tried to persuade him to make a more equitable disposal of his property. ‗What you have here.‘ He said, ‗is not so much a will as an apple of discord.‖

4.2 The indirect use of proverbs of Greek mythology

Those proverbs and stories become the treasure and literary creation source of western culture and art, was favored by numerous literary artist. Shakespeare and Milton, Tennyson, Yeats, Keats's literary works all get inspiration from mythology, a large number of references of allusions. The astronomers use their pen to write articles. In their articles, proverbs of Greek mythology become more imaginable and fantastic.

5 The influence of Greek mythology proverbs on the

current literature

The Greek culture is the cradle of western culture, and Greek mythology is the cradle of Greek culture. In the long development of the history of literature, Brilliant ancient Greek's artistic style is like bright scenery. It can be said like this: Greek mythology is one of the origins of human‘s literature development. Especially the basis for the development of European literature had a great influence on the development and progress of literary.

5.1 Greek mythology proverbs provide a solid foundation for the development of British and American literature

Greek mythology is one of the origins of human literary development and it‘s also one of the foundations of the development of literary. Greek mythology story appear repeatedly in Homer and later the Roman poet Virgil, three ancient Greek tragedy writer Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and drama writer Aristophanes, the medieval poet Dante. A large number of works of famous writers of modern European; Hesiod's ―T heogony‖ describes Greek mythology in the form of poem is the initial attempt; Poet Pindar Ross, etc and the historian Herodotus also describes the myths in their works. In the revolution of Marx, Engels and other great works also can be seen the influence of Greek mythology.

5.2 Greek mythology provides the unique way of thinking for literary

Individual character of the gods is adored in Greek mythology,. The created god or hero image often contains profound philosophy, flashing the glory of thought. Such as Julius slip into the Trojan army and killed the Thracian king, he make Achilles and Agamemnon to be reconciled. Then come with The Trojan Horse, in particular, make

the Greek army won the victory of the Trojan War. In the story, it‘s every important behavior contains profound philosophy. Every proverb has a story. Those legendary stories still spread abroad among the people. The way they pay attention to the style of individuality has a very deep influence to British and American nowadays. People in European love the real life, the positive pursuit of nature and humanity, people-oriented, emphasis on the power of the people such as ideas, and constantly enterprising spirit of optimism, promoting people's perceptual experience and rational thinking, pay attention to personal giving.

5.3 For the British and American literature works provide a rich source of story

In Greek mythology, stories eulogizing love, kindness and the struggle with evil, the stories also praise the beauty of humanistic spirit. In praising of heroism, inscribing personal pain and struggle, it has attracted a lot of readers, American and British literature and art creation provide a rich source of materials. Even many American and British astronomers use fairy tales for the subject matters of their space experiments. There are many ship named after the gods in Greek mythology. People want to use this way to show their respect to the gods. I think the gods will bless them and give them protection.

6 Conclusion

Greek mythology is the product of social development in the early stages, because of the limits of social historical condition at that time, which cannot form the text of a kind of oral literature and art. Since the Renaissance, the Greek mythology was concerned by British and American writers, the gods and heroes and allusions of Greek mythology are often appeared in their works. Besides, the Greek mythology had impact more to some writers‘ mind and inspired their initiatives, cultivated their freewill and self-awareness. As we can see in their articles, they express their feelings and thoughts more bold and unrestrained.

Ancient Greek mythology is of far-reaching significance to British and American literature. British and American literature is made up of the ancient Greek myth which gave birth to both its content and its form. They provide source of creation to the British and American writers. Greek mythology is a very historic treasures, it has been leading the world literature, and let the people of the world being addicted. It needs people to study and explore constantly. Let more people to learn the real meaning of the ancient Greek myth. So, if you want to understand a nation's literature, you must understand the root cause first and then promote literary accomplishment

7 Bibliography

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8 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who helped me during the writing of this thesis. I gratefully acknowledge the help of my supervisor, Ms. Zhang Alin, who has offered me valuable suggestions in the academic studies. In the preparation of the thesis ，she has spent much time reading through each draft and provided me with inspiring advice. Without her patient instruction, insightful criticism and expert guidance, the accomplishment of this thesis would not have been possible. I also owe a special debt of gratitude to all the professors in Foreign Languages Institute, from whose devoted teaching and enlightening lectures I have benefited a lot and academically prepared for the thesis. I should finally like to express my gratitude to my beloved parents. They encouraged me a lot and give me confidence.