- 1. The Golden Bough, written by James George Frazer and first published in 1890, is a monumental work of comparative mythology and religion that explores the parallels between the belief systems of various cultures around the world. Frazer examines the underlying themes of death, resurrection, and the cyclical nature of life as represented in different mythologies, focusing particularly on ancient rituals and the sacredness of trees, notably the oak. One of the central concepts of the book is the idea of the 'dying god', a figure that dies and is reborn, reflecting the agricultural cycles of nature and the human condition. The work spans a wide range of cultural practices—from the Roman worship of Attis and Adonis to the fertility rites of the pagan religions, demonstrating how ancient societies sought to understand and communicate with the divine through ritual. Frazer's comparative approach not only questioned the unique truths of Christianity but also highlighted the universal patterns that recur in myths across civilizations, prompting discussions on the role of religion in human society. The complex interplay of myth, ritual, and belief illustrates how cultural expressions evolved and transformed over time, influencing modern anthropology and the study of religion. Through careful scholarship and a richly woven narrative, The Golden Bough remains a seminal text in the understanding of the interplay between humanity's search for meaning and the natural world.
What is the primary subject of 'The Golden Bough'?
A) Analysis of Greek epic poetry
B) History of European monarchy
C) Comparative study of mythology and religion
D) Study of botanical species
- 2. Which mythological figure is central to Frazer's analysis?
A) Odin
B) King Arthur
C) The Priest of Nemi
D) Zeus
- 3. According to Frazer, what three stages does human thought progress through?
A) Myth, legend, history
B) Magic, religion, science
C) Polytheism, monotheism, atheism
D) Savagery, barbarism, civilization
- 4. What is sympathetic magic based on according to Frazer?
A) Psychological projection
B) The law of similarity and contact
C) Divine intervention
D) Astrological alignment
- 5. Which concept describes the ritual killing of divine kings?
A) Deicide
B) Matricide
C) Regicide
D) Genocide
- 6. What was the original publication date of the first edition?
A) 1890
B) 1905
C) 1882
D) 1911
- 7. Which academic discipline was most influenced by 'The Golden Bough'?
A) Organic chemistry
B) Molecular biology
C) Social anthropology
D) Theoretical physics
- 8. What was Frazer's profession?
A) Novelist
B) Social anthropologist
C) Biologist
D) Theologian
- 9. How many volumes comprised the final edition of 'The Golden Bough'?
A) 12
B) 7
C) 3
D) 10
|