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| ==2. Epic Poetry== | | ==2. Epic Poetry== |
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| Consider these concepts as a guide for your assigned reading and research. Having a grasp of these elements will give you a strong understanding of the topic and prepare you for the discussions and exam.
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| # '''Definition and Scope''': Epic poetry is a lengthy narrative form that recounts the significant deeds of heroes, often intertwined with the fate of nations or peoples. These narratives are typically set on a grand scale, encompassing vast settings and extensive time periods.<br />{{Sp}}{{small|''Key Question: How does the expansive scope of epic poetry enhance its exploration of universal human experiences?''}}
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| # '''Formal Structure''': Epics are characterized by formal elements such as elevated language, invocation of the muse, ''in medias res'' openings, and the use of epic similes. These conventions contribute to the grandeur and seriousness of the narrative.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do the formal elements of epic poetry shape the way the story is told and understood?''}}
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| # '''Heroic Ideals''': Central to epic poetry is the portrayal of heroes who embody the virtues esteemed by their cultures, such as courage, honor (''timē''), and excellence (''aretē''). These figures often undertake perilous journeys and face formidable challenges.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do epic heroes reflect the cultural values of their societies, and how do those values compare to modern ideals?''}}
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| # '''Role of the Divine''': Interactions between mortals and deities are a common feature, reflecting the belief in divine influence over human affairs. Gods and supernatural beings frequently intervene, aiding or hindering the hero’s quest.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: What does the role of the gods in epic poetry reveal about the relationship between humans and the divine in ancient cultures?''}}
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| # '''Cultural Reflection''': Epics serve as cultural artifacts, encapsulating the values, beliefs, and historical narratives of the societies from which they emerge. They offer insights into the collective identity and moral frameworks of these cultures.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: In what ways do epic poems function as mirrors of the societies that produced them?''}}
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| # '''Oral Tradition''': Many epics originated from oral storytelling traditions, which influenced their repetitive structures and formulaic expressions, aiding memorization and transmission across generations.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does the oral tradition shape the structure and style of epic poetry?''}}
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| # '''The Hero’s Journey''': A recurring motif is the hero’s journey, encompassing stages such as the call to adventure, trials, and the return. This narrative arc reflects universal patterns of human experience and personal growth.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does the hero’s journey in epic poetry reflect universal human experiences, and how does it resonate with modern narratives?''}}
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| # '''Moral and Ethical Themes''': Epic poetry often explores profound themes like fate versus free will, the nature of justice, and the quest for immortality, prompting readers to reflect on ethical and philosophical questions.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: What ethical dilemmas are presented in epic poetry, and how do they challenge or affirm the hero’s actions?''}}
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| # '''Influence on Literature''': The conventions and themes of epic poetry have impacted subsequent literary works, establishing archetypes and narrative structures that resonate through various genres, like novels and film.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How have the themes and conventions of epic poetry influenced modern literature and storytelling?''}}
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| # '''Contemporary Relevance''': Studying epic poetry allows for an understanding of how ancient narratives address timeless human concerns, offering perspectives that remain pertinent in modern discourse.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How can the themes of epic poetry help us better understand challenges and questions in contemporary society?''}}
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| ===To Do===
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| # Read/watch: | | # Read/watch: |
| #* [[Epic Poetry]].<ref name="bg">I post background materials on all of the texts for the class. These are essays meant to take the place of in-class lectures. I strongly recommend that you read this material to help you with your understanding of the literature and for your exams.</ref> | | #* [[Epic Poetry]].<ref name="bg">I post background materials on all of the texts for the class. These are essays meant to take the place of in-class lectures. I strongly recommend that you read this material to help you with your understanding of the literature and for your exams.</ref> |
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| ==3. ''The Epic of Gilgamesh''== | | ==3. ''The Epic of Gilgamesh''== |
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| Engaging with these aspects of the ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' will provide a comprehensive understanding of its themes, characters, and enduring significance in the literary canon.
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| # '''Civilization vs. Nature''': The epic explores the tension between the untamed natural world and the structured society of Uruk, particularly through Enkidu’s transformation from a wild being to a civilized man.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does Enkidu’s journey from nature to civilization reflect the broader theme of humanity’s relationship with the natural world?''}}
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| # '''Friendship and Personal Growth''': The deep bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu serves as a catalyst for Gilgamesh’s transformation from a tyrannical ruler to a more self-aware and compassionate leader.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: In what ways does the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu influence their individual character developments?''}}
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| # '''Mortality and the Quest for Immortality''': Confronted with Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh embarks on a quest to escape mortality, highlighting the human desire to find meaning and permanence in an impermanent world.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: What does Gilgamesh’s pursuit of immortality reveal about human fears and aspirations regarding death?''}}
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| # '''Divine Interaction and Influence''': The gods play a significant role in the narrative, influencing events and embodying the ancient Mesopotamian understanding of divine-human relationships.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do the interventions of deities like Shamash and Ishtar shape the outcomes of human endeavors in the epic?''}}
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| # '''Ecological Themes and Environmental Impact''': The destruction of the Cedar Forest and the killing of its guardian, Humbaba, reflect themes of environmental exploitation and the consequences of humanity’s domination over nature.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: What are the implications of Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s actions in the Cedar Forest for understanding the epic’s perspective on environmental stewardship?''}}
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| # '''Symbolism of Dreams''': Dreams in the epic serve as omens and reflections of internal conflicts, providing insight into characters’ subconscious fears and desires.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do the dreams experienced by Gilgamesh and Enkidu foreshadow events and contribute to the narrative’s development?''}}
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| # '''Role of Women''': Female figures like Shamhat and Siduri play crucial roles in guiding and influencing the male protagonists, highlighting the complexities of gender dynamics in the epic.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: In what ways do the women in the epic contribute to the progression of the story and the development of its central themes?''}}
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| # '''Legacy and Cultural Influence''': As one of the earliest known literary works, the ''Epic of Gilgamesh'' has influenced various literary traditions and offers insights into the values and beliefs of ancient Mesopotamian society.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How has the Epic of Gilgamesh impacted subsequent literature and our understanding of early human civilizations?''}}
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| # '''Heroic Ideals and Flaws''': Gilgamesh embodies the qualities of a hero, including strength and bravery, but also exhibits flaws such as arrogance, prompting reflection on the complexities of leadership and heroism.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does Gilgamesh’s character challenge traditional notions of heroism, and what lessons can be drawn from his flaws?''}}
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| # '''The Role of Fate and Free Will''': The epic illustrates the interplay between destiny and human agency, questioning the extent to which individuals can shape their own paths in the face of predetermined outcomes.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do the concepts of fate and free will interact in the decisions and destinies of the characters within the epic?''}}
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| ===To Do===
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| # Read/watch the following: | | # Read/watch the following: |
| #* [[The Epic of Gilgamesh|''Gilgamesh'' background materials]]. | | #* [[The Epic of Gilgamesh|''Gilgamesh'' background materials]]. |
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| ==4. Homer’s ''Iliad''== | | ==4. Homer’s ''Iliad''== |
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| Engaging with these aspects of Homer’s ''Iliad'' will provide a deeper appreciation of its narrative complexity and thematic richness, particularly within the selected books.
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| # '''The Wrath of Achilles''': Achilles’ anger, ignited by Agamemnon’s seizure of Briseis, serves as the central theme, driving the narrative and highlighting the consequences of personal vendettas in a communal war effort.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does Achilles’ wrath influence the course of the Trojan War and affect both Greek and Trojan forces?''}}
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| # '''Honor and Glory (''Kleos'')''': The pursuit of eternal glory motivates warriors, influencing their decisions and interactions, and reflecting the cultural importance placed on reputation and legacy.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: In what ways do the characters’ quests for honor and glory shape their actions and the unfolding events of the epic?''}}
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| # '''The Role of the Gods''': Deities frequently intervene in mortal affairs, embodying the belief in divine influence over human destiny and adding complexity to the narrative through their personal biases and conflicts.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do the interventions of gods like Athena, Apollo, and Zeus alter the outcomes of key events in the ''Iliad''?''}}
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| # '''Fate and Free Will''': The tension between predestined events and individual choices underscores the characters’ struggles, questioning the extent of human agency within the bounds of fate.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do characters in the ''Iliad'' navigate the balance between accepting fate and exercising personal agency?''}}
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| # '''The Human Cost of War''': Through detailed battle scenes and personal encounters, the epic portrays the devastating impact of war on soldiers and their families, emphasizing themes of loss and mortality.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: What does the ''Iliad'' reveal about the personal and societal consequences of prolonged warfare?''}}
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| # '''Heroic Code and Ethics''': The ''Iliad'' explores the moral framework guiding warriors, including concepts of honor, bravery, and loyalty, and the dilemmas arising when personal desires conflict with societal expectations.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How do the characters’ adherence to or deviation from the heroic code affect their fates and relationships?''}}
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| # '''The Role of Women''': Female figures, though often in supporting roles, influence the narrative significantly, representing themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the human cost of conflict.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: In what ways do characters like Helen, Andromache, and Briseis contribute to the development of the epic’s themes?''}}
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| # '''Mortality and the Quest for Immortality''': The ''Iliad'' considers human mortality, with warriors seeking to achieve immortality through glory on the battlefield, reflecting on the transient nature of life and the desire for lasting legacy.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does the awareness of mortality influence the actions and motivations of key characters in the epic?''}}
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| # '''The Significance of Book 6''': The encounter between Hector and Andromache in Book 6 provides a glimpse into the personal sacrifices and familial bonds strained by war, humanizing the epic’s portrayal of conflict.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: What does the interaction between Hector and Andromache reveal about the personal dimensions of war?''}}
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| # '''The Climactic Duel in Book 22''': The confrontation between Achilles and Hector culminates the themes of wrath, honor, and fate, serving as a pivotal moment that encapsulates the tragic nature of the epic.<br />{{Sp}}{{Small|''Key Question: How does the duel between Achilles and Hector encapsulate the central themes of the ''Iliad''?''}}
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| ===To Do===
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| # Read/watch: | | # Read/watch: |
| #* [[Iliad|''Iliad'' background materials]]. | | #* [[Iliad|''Iliad'' background materials]]. |
note: Before beginning any of the assignments below, consult your specific course syllabus. Not all assignments will be completed by every class. Specific assignments, required materials, due dates, and additional instructions will appear on your syllabus.