Question 1
Many of the readings in this unit concern a culture’s belief in a god or gods and how people should respond to their god. Choose one reading that you think expresses valuable insights on nature or god and humankind or one that you believe presents a totally incorrect view of the way life is. Use examples from the text of the work you choose to explain your reaction and write a post of at least five good sentences.
Question 2
1. Gilgamesh and the story of Abraham are epics of their respective cultures. In an answer of at least 2 paragraphs, discuss how each one uses the elements of epic (heroes, conflicts, gods, etc.) to reflect the values of their civilizations. Compare the two on how each uses at least two elements of epic. Write at least two good paragraphs of at least six sentences each, and use details from the texts to support your answer.
2. Choose one of the Egyptian love lyrics and discuss whether, in your opinion, it is or is not consistent with the ways men and women relate to each other in contemporary American culture. Choose one Psalm that illustrates the relationship that the Hebrews had with a monotheistic god. Write at least 6 sentences and support your comments with details from the texts of the poems.
