Question

Read the Greek myth "Midas" retold by Thomas Bulfinch and answer the question.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Greed can result in negative consequences.

Explanation:

The main question theme that is very heavily touched upon in Midas is Greed. Essentially the whole question in this story would be; is greed good or bad? Is it both or neither?

The way it is talked about in the story does put a pretty clear conflict in place, but at that same time has a confusing resolution. Whether that was Ovid's (in his version of the story) intention isn't all that much clear either. Throughout the story a picture is painted in which Midas seems like a decent guy. He takes Silenus in, and helps help get back on his feet, which Bacchus rewards him for. So Midas, in return for helping Silenus wishes for anything he touches to turn into gold. In differing versions of the story Midas has very different reasons as to why he wishes for what he did, but in my opinion, it doesn't really matter considering all he has to do is pray to Bacchus and bathe in a river. All in all the whole theme does get pretty confusing, because even though Midas' greed causes him a good deal of trouble, he also pretty easily gets out the said situation. Take what you will from the story, but I would heavily recommend reading Homer's The Odyssey, and The Iliad, as they are again, in my opinion, literary masterpieces.

Hope this helps! Please feel free to message me if anything is incorrect! :)