Gilgamesh is the semi-mythic King of Uruk best known from The Epic of Gilgamesh (written c. 2150-1400 BCE) the great Sumerian/Babylonian poetic work which pre-dates Homer’s writing by 1500 years and, therefore, stands as the oldest piece of epic western literature. Gilgamesh’s father was the Priest-King Lugalbanda (who is featured in two poems concerning his magical abilities which pre-date Gilgamesh) and his mother the goddess Ninsun (the Holy Mother and Great Queen) and, accordingly, Gilgamesh was a demi-god who was said to have lived an exceptionally long life (The Sumerian King List records his reign as 126 years) and to be possessed of super-human strength.
from Joshua J. Mark. “Gilgamesh,” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 13, 2010. http://www.ancient.eu /gilgamesh/. |
Module #1View the background piece on the Epic of Gilgamesh. Several stories will be covered in this episode.
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Module #2Carefully read "The Battle with Humbaba." Be sure to look up unfamiliar words and read closely. Answer the questions at the end of the story on your own paper.
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Module #3Read over Joseph Campbell's work on "The Hero's Journey" and try to identify these steps for Gilgamesh.
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The story of Heracles/Hercules is often used by writers in their works when they want to allude to or reference a comparison to strength or bravery. Using the provided link, read the story of Hercules and his 12 Labors. Answer the questions located to the right of the text, compile them when you are finished, and send them to me through email at [email protected].
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Heracles (Greeks)/
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Indian Epics
Using the link below, visit the website and complete the assignment concerning Indian epics. You will only have to provide a username (which is nwilkes) and then type in the "Quick Launch" 1190. Complete only the "Focus" and "Explore" sections. At the end of the assignment you will be able to email your responses to [email protected].
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"-The Common Man's Hero
Read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" using the link below. You have the option of listen to the audio version at the same time. Both are located through the buttons below. After you finish reading, you will complete the Literature Data Sheet. Access to the handout can by found below (it will own as a Microsoft Word document).
AnthemBelow you will find a link to an audio version of the novel located on YouTube.
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Anthem Research
Today you will begin researching ideas that are presented in the novel Anthem. You do have some choice in what you research. A variety of topics will be listed here and it is your task to begin searching through sites to discover what these topics mean and why they are used in the novel. Use the document below to copy and compile your findings.
Choice of topics: Collectivism, Individualism, Selflessness, Egoism, Free Will, Objectivist, Conformity, Ayn Rand, Prometheus, Gaea, Equality, Communism, Liberty and Dysotopian.
Choice of topics: Collectivism, Individualism, Selflessness, Egoism, Free Will, Objectivist, Conformity, Ayn Rand, Prometheus, Gaea, Equality, Communism, Liberty and Dysotopian.
Background Reading
Characteristics of Science Fiction
The latest scientific discoveries often inspire science fiction. The technology of tomorrow and its possible effects on humans are threads that bind the genre together. Science fiction stories are most often tales of adventure in which the seemingly incredible and fantastic are made to appear quite possible.
Some common themes typically found in science fiction include
- The downfall of humanity
- Predictions of the future
- A critique of society
Scientific Beliefs about Mars
In 1877 the Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli described what he believed to be "canali," or river channels, on the surface of Mars. An American astronomer, Percival Lowell, continued to investigate these canals. He eventually came to the conclusion that there was life on Mars.
H. G. Wells and The War of the WorldsH.G. Wells has long been considered one of the founding writers of science fiction. He wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898, the same time Lowell's theories about the possibility of life on the red planet were gaining popularity.
The Mercury Theater BroadcastOn October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater broadcast a radio play based on the H.G. Wells novel. Thousands believed that the earth was actually being invaded by Martians. The broadcast became legendary as a great hoax.
Research Sites
Life on Mars?
- Skim this article about Percival Lowell, an astronomer whose ideas inspired H.G. Wells.
- Pay special attention to the description of Mars and its "canals," which Lowell cited as proof that intelligent life existed there.
The War of the Worlds-Chapter 1
- Read the first nine paragraphs of this first chapter of the H.G. Wells novel. The ninth paragraph begins "The storm burst upon us six years ago now."
- Consider how Lowell's ideas might have inspired Wells's descriptions of the planet.
The War of the Worlds-Radio Broadcast
- Click the play button (upper-right corner) to begin listening to the radio broadcast by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater.
- Listen only to the point when the announcer describes a humming noise from the meteor-like object that has landed on a New Jersey farm.
Questions to Answer
:Answer the following questions in paragraph from. Proper grammar is expected. You must use direct supportive text in your answers to receive any credit for the assignment. Write your answers on your own paper.
Part 1: Answer these questions after you have read about Percival Lowell and the nine paragraphs of The War of the Worlds.
Part 1: Answer these questions after you have read about Percival Lowell and the nine paragraphs of The War of the Worlds.
- What is the basis of Lowell's theories about the existence of life on Mars?
- How is man described in the opening of the novel?
- In the novel, what has happened to Mars to make its inhabitants a threat to earth?
- Based on the scientific beliefs of the day, and the explanation presented in the opening of the novel, does the story seem possible? Explain.
- What techniques add realism to this broadcast?
- Why was Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds so convincing?