Blog # 1 - Grendel

Please read the Introduction and respond to the following prompts.  Use complete sentences, display critical thought and use quotes when asked.

1.  Paraphrase some of the praise that Grendel received upon publication.  Use a quote as support.

2.  How does Grendel change between John M. Howell and John Gardner.  Use quotes as support.

3.  Paraphrase some of the differences between Beowulf and Grendel.  Use quotes as support.

4.  Which theme of Gardner's have we already explored this year?  In which text(s) would we find it?

5.  What does the text say "nihilism" means?  What do you think of the concept?

Due: Before class on Wednesday, 4.10 (B3) & Thursday, 4.11 (A2)

Blog # 1 - Gilgamesh A2

Please read Ch. 5 & 6
Post one thought provoking question for each chapter, then respond to one of your peer's questions.  Therefore you will make 4 posts, two questions and two responses.

There will be a prize for the best question and best response.

Due: Monday, 3.11 (before class)

Blog # 1 - Gilgamesh

Please read Chapter 5.  Then write a well supported observation that incorporates a quote (1 paragraph).  Once posted, respond to another post by a classmate from either section.
Due: B3 - Monday, 3.4 (before class) / A2 - Tuesday, 3.5 (before class)

Blog # 1 - Introducing Osiris, Isis, and Horus

Please read the Introduction (159 - 162) and then write a well-informed observation, using a quote as support.  Choose something you are interested in.  Then, respond to a response that another student has made.

Due: B3 - Wednesday, 1.30 / A2 - Thursday, 1.31

The Aeneid - Blog # 2

Please respond to the following prompts in complete sentences.  Use quotes when stipulated.

1.  What do you reckon, should one love only once?  If your spouse / partner dies should you remarry or find a new one?  What are arguments for and against?  Who does Dido speak to for advice?

2.  Paraphrase the extended simile dealing with Cupid and hunting.  Use a quote as support.

3.  What were the ill effects of Dido's affections for Aeneas?  Is this true?  Does love overpower people and make them not do important things?  If so, is it as important as society says it is?

4.  We learn of two gods we hear in common, everyday English.  Who are they and what do they represent?

5.  Is this the typical, boy meets girl, boy love girl & girl loves boy, boy leaves girl story?  Cliche or romantic?  Use a quote as support.

6.  Agree or disagree. Aeneas sacrifices his personal life for his future country.

7.  Paraphrase the extended simile of the Trojans and ants.

8.  Describe Dido's funeral pyre.  Use a quote as support.

9.  What future does Dido envisage for the future of Rome?

Due: Wednesday, 11.21 (before class)

Blog # 1 - The Aeneid

Please respond to the following prompts in complete sentences.  Use quotes when stipulated.

1.  What is the context of Chapter 2?  What is happening?  Where is it happening?

2.  Why is the following quote so loaded?  What is its tone?  "Being unable to conquer Troy through the skills of war in nine years of fighting, the Greek leaders decide to follow Minerva's instruction and build a horse of mountainous bulk from the wood of the fir tree" (123).

3.  Where is Tenedos located?

4.  Who is Sinon?  Paraphrase his story as to why he was left behind.

5.  How was Minerva insulted?  Use a quote as support.  (Must be incorporated).

6.  Why do the Greeks allegedly sail for Mycenae?  Use a quote as support.  (Must be incorporated).

7.  What was Laocoon's sin?  Use a quote as support.  (Must be incorporated).

8.  How does Apollo's gift to Cassandra speak to the fate of Troy?

9.  Bottom line, did the Greeks win an honorable victory?  Why or why not?

10.  How is King Priam depicted in this selection.  Use a quote as support.

Due: Tuesday, 11.13 - before class

Blog # 3 - The Iliad

Please read chapters 4 & 5 and  respond to the following prompts.  Write in complete sentences.  Give specific examples from the text.  Incorporate quotes when stipulated.

Chapter 4
1.  Which literary term is at work in the following quote?  "As a waterfall pours down the face of a cliff into the dark stream below, so Agamemnon stood weeping before the gathering" (58).

2.  What are some of the gifts Agamemnon bestows upon Achilles?  Use a quote as support.  What would the gifts be equivalents of today?  What do we call them?

3.  I've already posed this question, but what is Achilles's biggest character flaw?  What is he unable to do?

4.  What would you choose?  A long life or everlasting fame?  Which does Achilles choose?

5.  What is Achille's rationale for not joining in the fighting?  Use a quote as support.

Chapter 5
1.  Many words and phrases are continually repeated, as we discussed in the introduction to The Iliad.  Please cite 3.

2.  What is the equivalent of Achilles's and Patroclus's relationship in Japan?  What might we call it in other words?

3.  Explain the following quote.  Achilles is speaking to Patroclus.  "Win enough glory that the Greeks will return Briseis to me along with many impressive gifts, but not so much glory that your success will less my own honor" (62).

4.  We see a lot of interference of the gods in this section.  Does this lessen or increase the mortals' free will?  How much free will do you have in your life right now?  Who or what restricts it?  When will you get more free will?

5.  To me this story deals extensively with leadership.  Choose Agamemnon or Achilles and argue why he is the better leader.  One paragraph.  Use at least one quote.