Question

However they obtained it, the Greeks couldn’t resist adding their own original “explanations” to the definitions. For example, a Greek writer named Horapollo said correctly that the picture of a goose stood for the word “son.” But then he explained that this was because geese took spe­cial care of their young, which was completely inaccurate. He wrote that the image of a rabbit meant “open” because a rabbit's eyes never close—an equally false statement.

—The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone,
James Cross Giblin

What is the point of view of James Cross Giblin in this passage from The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone?

Answer 1

In the passage from "The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone," James Cross Giblin's point of view can be characterized as critical and somewhat skeptical regarding the interpretations made by the Greek writer Horapollo. Giblin presents Horapollo's claims about the meanings of symbols in ancient Egyptian writing and highlights the inaccuracies in his explanations. By noting that Horapollo's reasoning is based on incorrect assumptions—such as geese's behavior and rabbits' eye characteristics—Giblin seems to be emphasizing the importance of accuracy and caution when interpreting historical or cultural symbols. His tone conveys a sense of disapproval toward the tendency to fabricate explanations that are not based on factual evidence, indicating a preference for scholarly integrity in understanding ancient texts. Overall, Giblin's point of view reflects a desire for a more reliable understanding of historical practices and symbols.