Short answer:
Answer each of the following prompts in one complete paragraph, including a topic sentence, claim, evidence, such as examples and illustrations, as well as a conclusion sentence in each paragraph. Answers will be graded for accuracy. Write in complete sentences. The questions in this section count as 20 points per question or a total of 80 points combined. You are not required to answer each point in the prompts. You may focus on one or more specific points of your choice in the prompt to address each question in response to the prompts. The response requires a clear answer regarding a specific aspect of the prompt in connection to the literary work. You may address all components of each prompt if you choose. You are not required to cite in this section. You may include quotes when needed. There should be a minimum of three to four sentences in each paragraph.
1. Apply psychoanalytic criticism to interpret the characterization of Gilgamesh and Achilles. Compare and contrast their motivations from various viewpoints. Are they controlled predominately by reason or the irrational mind? Review the most predominate ethical and logical standpoints of the characters. Freud explains that the neurotic crisis is “the struggle between the interest of self-preservation (ego) and the demands of man’s aggressive nature (id)”. Apply psychoanalytic criticism to analyze the motivations and roles held by both epic heroes. Furthermore, analyze how Achilles exemplifies the Homeric code of ethics with a focus on honor through his courage, despite his irrational nature at times. You may also focus on the similarity between Achilles’ actions and the code of Hammurabi from the ancient Babylonian culture. Can Gilgamesh’s actions be seen as having parallels to the code of Hammurabi which is known as “an eye for an eye” philosophy, as well? Also, focus on how Gilgamesh is similar in this regard as well.
2. Define the heroic identity of Beowulf as an epic hero. Identify two or three ethical motivations behind the predictability of the rationality found through his actions. How do these traits make his role stand out among other epic heroes within a historical context? Define how historical, religious, philosophical, political, or cultural elements in the work influence his predictability as a heroic character. Would his role as the archetype of an epic hero be the same if he was not a predictable character? Why or why not? To answer this, you may compare him to Achilles, who is not a predictable character, due to the unpredictability of his emotions. This occurs, though he also is deemed to be an epic hero, as is Beowulf.
3. What is the most important moral lesson we learn from Job’s tribulation from Shaddai that can be foreseen at the beginning of the book and found at the end of the book? Analyze specific themes and thematic patterns found throughout the book focusing on the importance of one theme in connection to the central theme at the end of the book to prove your point. Focus on the notion of eschatology as a lens to interpret the book along with the importance of theodicy in the book.
4. In The Ramayana of Valmiki, identify and describe the elements of mysticism and metaphysics that help to define and construct Rama’s piety in the epic through a series of events in the plot. How does he represent the ideal man and epic hero? How does he overcome the psychological warfare presenting a great foe against him?
Essay Instructions:
The essay comprises 20 points of the final grade. Once again, quotes may be included but citations are not required.
In a standard five-paragraph essay with an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph written with at least four to five complete sentences per paragraph in MLA format that focuses on one specific approach of interpretation with an emphasis on some of the series of points and questions in the prompt as follows:
Justify a point of view on an interpretation of Antigone in which you either support the female as a tragic heroine or refute her identity as such based on the context of the matter of the state versus religion. Focus on how Antigone stands for the essential philosophical components of the ancient Grecian culture, including stoicism, Plato’s philosophies on the divine law, or Aristotle’s view of the soul as one with the body. Does her ethical appeal to the divine ordinances of the gods that are central to the philosophers of the divine law justify her case as a tragic heroine as she stands for these convictions? Review the Chorus’ message at the end of the play as they rebuke Creon for not revering the divine law. Or you may focus on how Antigone overreaches her limitations as a mortal by defying the law of man that Creon establishes. How is Creon justified as he can be seen as standing for order and reason by implementing a decree invoking an ethically sound punishment for a traitor to their land? Also, how may her tragic role represent the past views of the ancients that were changed with new worldviews represented by Creon’s role as he stands for the need for the laws of humankind to replace old ordinances to establish new laws that define order and reason in an ever-changing world? How does this influence the reader’s interpretation of Antigone’s role? Make your stance clear with specific evidence based on the points you choose to focus on.
Midterm Rubric
Content
All answers should present thorough examples and illustrations that present a breadth of knowledge on the topics. For the essay, you will need to write a detailed close reading of the work that is five paragraphs. You will need an introductory paragraph that includes an intriguing topic sentence that presents an overview of the purpose of the paper, the background context of the work, the issue you will be focusing in on, and a response to a particular portion of the prompt. State the title of the literary work and the author’s name when introducing the work in the introduction. Present background context that is necessary. Then, map out an overview of the main points you will discuss in each body paragraph that will lead into the thesis. The thesis will respond to a specific point of interpretation based on one of the prompts in the midterm exam essay. Each paragraph will be focused in on one main idea that you will be arguing to prove your point of interpretation. The conclusion paragraph should explain how you proved your points in each body paragraph.
Formatting
All answers should be written in MLA format, including a topic sentence, claim(s), examples, and a conclusion sentence. You will need to write a detailed close reading of the work that is five paragraphs. Citations are encouraged but are not required. If you bring in a direct quote, citations must be put around the quote.
You will need to write a detailed close reading of the work that is five paragraphs. It should be around three to four pages in length. Follow proper MLA formatting guidelines. Double space the essay. There should be 1- inch margins. There should be a header, running head, a title, an introduction with a clear thesis, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
Style
Always write using formal diction. Address the audience, knowing that you have a specific purpose and goal you will achieve through your analysis. Use language that is appropriate for your audience. Define all your terms. Present your claims as though they are known facts, since you are certain you can prove your point. Avoid any slang or jargon. Do not use the following nouns: “it” “everyone” “everything” “thing” or any other vague words. Use specific language when you write. Do not use the first person. Think about your word choice regarding the context of the topic. Be as descriiptive as possible, while being as clear and concise as possible. All sentences should be complete, as there should be no fragments. Do not use run-on sentences. Vary your syntax between simple and complex sentences. All paragraphs and sentences should have ideas that connect in a cohesive way. All paragraphs should be well developed, and the ideas should be arranged in an organized way.
Full Marks
No Marks
