Final answer:
The question regards an analysis of a poem's use of comparisons to animals or insects and the allusion to myths. These literary tools are used to add depth and convey specific traits or thematic significance. Without the poem's text, only a general explanation can be provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've asked pertains to an analysis of comparisons and mythological references made within specific stanzas of a poem. This could be Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Coleridge, Diving into the Wreck by Adrienne Rich, or another poem that makes use of animal symbolism and allusions to myths.
Typically, poets compare characters to animals or insects to convey a deeper layer of meaning or to illustrate particular characteristics that are commonly associated with these creatures.
For instance, being compared to a blacksnake might suggest a sense of danger, cunning, or fluidity, while being compared to beetles may imply something about industriousness or being grounded.
A myth alluded to in a poem serves to enrich the text by adding layers of cultural or symbolic significance. For example, allusions to Greek or Roman myths can imbue the poem with themes of heroism, tragedy, or fate.
As for understanding the significance of a narrative diving into the wreck of Western civilization after studying myths, this could signify that the speaker believes understanding the past and its literature is essential before attempting to comprehend or navigate the complexities of the present.