Question

Why might a poet reference an ancient myth in her poem a) to activate the readers prior knowledge b) to connect the theme of the poem with the theme in the myth c) to avoid having to create an original storyline d) to make the reader more interested in the poem

Answer 1

The answer is B), because the poet would only mention that to connect to her own story line. She/he could've used any myth to interest the reader, or activate the reader's knowledge.

Answer 2

b) to connect the theme of the poem with the theme in the myth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Literature is always inspired by its tradition and history. Contemporary poets may reference an old myth in order to add depth to the very theme that they are elaborating. By doing this, they connect an ancient theme, the one found in the myth, to the current and contemporary theme which they are developing, which in many ways proves the universality and timelessness of human experience, and at the same time, it actualizes it and breeds new life to these omnipresent themes in humanity.