摘 要：希腊神话不仅是西方文化的来源，更对英美文化的形成与发展产生深刻的影响。当前国内对希腊神话的研究主要集中于人性探讨、中西方神话对比、某一神话人物的研究等。本文主要从希腊神话的起源和特征入手，进而讨论文化的内容、分类及英美文化的起源;进而从文学、语言、价值观三方面来分析希腊神话对英美文化的影响，有利于英语学习者了解希腊神话与英美文化的联系，提高对西方价值观的认识。一定程度上，亦有利于提高跨文化意识和增强对中西方文化差异的敏感度，进而增强跨文化交际能力。

关键词：希腊神话；英美文学；文学作品；文化；价值观

Abstract：Greek mythology is not only the source of western culture, but also has a profound influence on the formation and development of British and American culture. The current domestic research on Greek mythology is mainly focused on the discussion of human nature, the comparison between Chinese and Western mythology, the study of certain mythical characters, etc. This paper starts with the origin and characteristics of Greek mythology, and then discusses the content, classification and origin of British and American culture, and then it analyzes the influence of Greek mythology on British and American culture in terms of literature, language and values, which is helpful for English learners to understand the relationship between Greek mythology and British and American culture, meanwhile, it is conductive to improve their understanding towards western values. To some certain extent, it is beneficial to raise cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to the cultural differences between China and the West, and to enhance cross-cultural communicative competence as well.

Key words: Greek mythology; British and American literature; literary works; Culture; values

Contents

摘 要.i

AbstractiiI. Introduction.1 II. Analysis of Greek Mythology………...2

2.1 Origin of Greek Mythology…………………………………………………2

2.2 Characteristics of Greek Mythology……………………………..…………3

III. Introduction to British and American Culture6

3.1 Definition of Culture…………………………………………………………..6

3.2 Classification of Culture………………………………………………………7

3.3 Origin of British and American Culture………………………………………9

IV. Influence of Greek Mythology on British and American Culture.. 10

4.1 Influence of Greek Mythology on Literature...10  4.2 Influence of Greek Mythology on Language.12    4.3 Influence of Greek Mythology on Value.15

V. Conclusion17

Bibliography...19Acknowledgements20

The influence of Greek Mythology on  British and American Culture

I. Introduction

In recent years, it has been influenced by some new theories in the West. Domestic scholars began to apply some new literary theories to the study of Greek mythology. It mainly includes the in-depth interpretation of the text from the perspective of motif and feminism. In addition, some scholars began to analyze some of the main characters in Greek mythology. This paper mainly analyzes the influence of Greek mythology on British and American culture, so as to help students reduce the barriers to cross-cultural learning. At the same time, it will consolidate the professional knowledge learned by the students, especially in the field of culture. It will help to develop students’ ability to observe and analyze problems, and enable students to acquire more complete training in academic writing.

Nowadays, more and more experts and scholars at home and abroad begin to study the influence of Greek mythology on British and American culture. Their main research directions are British and American literature, philosophy and vocabulary influenced by Greek mythology. In terms of the characteristics of Greek mythology, the center of the study is mainly centered on the humanistic and cultural spirit contained in Greek mythology. Another part of the scholars also has made a more profound study of the allusions and idioms in Greek mythology. The influence of Greek mythology on British and American culture is actually the influence of one culture relative to another. The study of the influence of Greek mythology on British and American culture will help to improve the understanding of the two different cultures. Scholars at home and abroad attach great importance to the influence of Greek Mythology on British and American culture, but seldom analyze British and American literary works. In addition, few people analyze the practical significance, advantages and disadvantages of the impact. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the content and classification of culture and the origin of British and American culture. However, the current domestic research on Greek mythology is mainly focused on the discussion of human nature, the comparison between Chinese and Western mythology, and the study of certain mythical characters. Few scholars analyze the influence of their language, values, literature, and so on from their inherent cultural connections. This paper makes up for the deficiency in this aspect. It will help English learners to understand the relationship between Greek mythology and British and American culture, and enhance the understanding of western values.