Instructions:
Choose one prompt from one reading. You are only required to answer one question from the selected prompt. You do not have to answer more than one question from the prompt that is selected.
For this entry, choose either to write about either the Epic of Gilgamesh, Zhuangzi, The Tale of Sinuhe, or The Book of Job. You may write an entry based on one of the prompts on one of the readings that will be listed in this assignment. The paragraph should be six to seven sentences in length. This paragraph must be in complete sentences. The journal should be at least one complete paragraph minimum. There must be a topic sentence, background context, a claim, a citation from the work, an analysis of how the citation proves your claim, and a conclusion sentence that summarizes the main point of the paragraph. Evaluate how the quote proves your point specifically by re-quoting specific phrases as you interpret them by focusing on symbolic representations found through literary devices like metaphors, personification, similes, as well as techniques such as setting, plot, characterization, theme, mood, tone etc. Review such literary devices for an interpretation of the work in connection to a central point of interpretation. Add in examples and illustrations to prove your ideas from the text. Any point discussed in the journal from the plot must be cited.
To cite an epic poem, follow this guideline:
MLA citations for epic poems are as follows: Cite the epic in-text by writing the author or title of the work first. Then, write the number of the tablet or chapter of the book from which you drew the information. Place a period directly after the number of the tablet or chapter. Finally, write the line number you are citing. Since The Epic of Gilgamesh has no known author, cite the lines of the poem as follows in MLA 9th edition, for example:
(Gilgamesh I. lines 8-9)
To cite The Tale of Sinuhe, cite as follows: (The Tale of Sinuhe, lines 9-10)
MLA citations for books of the Bible are written are written as follows: Firstly, the book of the Bible is written. Then, the number of the chapter is written. A period is placed after the number of the chapter. Finally, the numbers of the verses are written. Cite in MLA 9th ed. format from the Book of Ruth, for example:
(Ruth 4. 6-8)
To cite Zhuangzi, cite as follows: (Zhuangzi chapter. pg.)
To cite Setne Khamwas & Naneferkaptah, cite as follows: (Setne Khamwas & Naneferkaptah (Setne I) pg.)
I. Instructions: Choose one prompt from numbers 1-4 to address in at least one complete paragraph in MLA format. The prompts are as follows:
1. On The Epic of Gilgamesh:
a). How does the epic fit into its’ own world and ours? Define and describe the microcosm and the macrocosm in the epic. Explain your perspective with specific evidence from the work.
b). Is Gilgamesh truly an epic hero by definition based on the seven traits defining the epic hero? On the other hand, can Gilgamesh be seen as an anti-hero? Is it possible for his noble qualities, including great strength, resilience, bravery, and prowess in battle to outweigh the cowardice, selfishness, tyranny, along with his pride? Why or why not? Would the narrator’s authorial tone agree with your perspective? Give specific examples and illustrations from the plot to prove your perspective.
2. On The Tale of Sinuhe:
a) Explain the nature of theodicy in the text. How does the text create religion through cycles of “rebirth” to generate immortality? How is the Egyptian’s concept of immortality compare and contrast to the Babylonian concept of immortality?
b) Describe Sinuhe’s moral convictions according to the Egyptian Kimetic. Explain the role of mysticism and mythology as a guiding force through his journey. Which god or gods had the most influence on his decision making? How does their guidance impact the Freudian concept of Sinuhe’s ego and his id?
3. The Book of Ruth:
a) Compare and contrast Ruth’s humility to the Lord with Naomi’s resolute, yet troubled faith. How do these two women handle emptiness and crisis? What makes Ruth’s resilience in times of adversity stand out compared to Naomi’s certitude at times? You may use a feminist hermeneutic approach to prove your point. How does God represent mercy and grace in such circumstances?
b) What does the text teach us about the treatment of foreigners according to God’s law from a contemporary interpretation of the text? Create a typological profile for the characters based on their national identity. Then, research ancient attitudes of race in the text. Make a list of commonly held beliefs about the character’s traits tied to their race in the text proving your point. What does this teach us about stereotypes of race in our world today? You may also create a short script based on a modern interpretation of the text for extra credit.
4. From Zhuangzi:
a) Identify and evaluate the philosophers and philosophical views that influenced Zhuangzi. Explain the importance of sentience and harmony in connection to yin and yang. Explain the nature of “being” versus “nonbeing” from a metaphysical standpoint based on an assessment of existence and immortality from the tales. Is making meaning absolute based on the concept of The Way? How does skepticism play a role in evaluating these metaphysical concepts? Is immortality attainable based on Zhuangzi’s and Confucius’ views?
5. From Setne Khamwas and Nanferkaptah:
a) Should the text be read as being symbolic of ancient Naturalism? Since “the Egyptian Gods were more like humans and represented natural elements, and “Naturalism is chiefly based on the theory of survival of the fittest,” can Setne’s survival while Nanferkaptah’s demise be best seen as representation of such naturalism.
b) Explain how Ahwere be seen as a representation of female authority in the ancient world? How does the text explore female subjectivity to male’s and gender equality? Explain how Ahwere’s ethical values compares and contrast to her male counterparts, including her spouse, Naneferkaptah. Identify any goddesses or divine inspirations for her character.