1 ways to interpret the Gods in Greek myth is to see them as personifications of forces of nature Legacy or lightning or of abstract Concepts like wisdom or forethought yet baldwin said this kind if reading is and error that takes the charm out if these tales and reduces their precious gold into utilitarian iron why might baldwin believe this what happens to characterization or other literary elements in the story if we read the gods as personifications instead of literally

active voice: my father cut the tree.

passive voice: the tree was cut by my father.

active voice: people buy newspapers every day.

passive voice: newspapers are bought (by people) every day.

active voice: people have been using movies as political propaganda since world war ii.

passive voice: movies have been used as political propaganda since world war ii.

active voice: donna gave me my birthday present.

passive voice: i was given my birthday present (by donna). / my birthday present was given to me (by donna).

active voice: mom will leave the keys on the counter.

passive voice: the keys will be left (by mom) on the counter.

the words in parentheses are the agent of the passive voice and can be omitted when obvious, generic, or simply unnecessary.