Choose two of the civilizations we’ve studied throughout

1) Cultural comparison:

Choose two of the civilizations we’ve studied throughout the term and compare their aesthetics, using at least two examples from each culture. You may compare examples of architecture, sculpture, literature, philosophy, and so on. Using the 3-step Cunningham-Reich rubric from the start of term (see below for Humanities-A Primer), analyze the works for their unique qualities — again choosing two from each civilization. Start with a solid paragraph describing the historical context: e.g., what life in ancient Egypt was like, or the Minoan World, or Imperial Rome, etc. Then consider the specifics of the artwork (what it is, how it was made, what style or genre it represents). Then interpret it to explain both what it was intended to be (purpose/message) and how you perceive it as a modern viewer.

aesthetics – art and taste, the appreciation of beauty

SOCIAL ELEMENT: Work in historical context

FORMAL ELEMENT: Design (how made materials, etc.) & composition (style, technique)

SYMBOLIC ELEMENT: Purpose (why made?) & message (intended or not)

See Module 1 for the complete Cunningham-Reich text.

2) Sophocles, Oedipus Rex

First, give a clear summary that answers all of the following plot questions.

• How does Oedipus ascend to the throne of Thebes, and what happens at the crossroads where three roads meet?
• What crimes does Teiresias know Oedipus is guilty of, and how does the king respond?
• What events lead up to his final exile?

Next, answer all of the following analysis/interpretation questions:

• In practical and philosophical terms, what is Oedipus trying to do by fleeing Corinth?
• How do the various plot details model irony? Give at least two examples.
• What lesson(s) would a Greek audience have drawn from the story?

The filmed performance and the script (Yeats translation) are in Module 6, of course.

3) The Epic of Gilgamesh: Choose from one of these three options (a/b/c).

a) The Epic overview:

Gilgamesh meets his match in, but makes a best friend of, who? How are they finally separated, and where does his friend end up? After that event, Gilgamesh sets out in search of what? In your explanation of this, you’ll need to mention at least two clear plot details, such as what specific goal Gilgamesh and his friend have when they fight the giant goblin Humbaba, or how Utnapishtim’s wife proves that Gilgamesh has dozed off and has therefore forfeited his prize. Also, are any such details etiological in nature? You should be able to isolate at least one mythologem.

b) Myths and traditions:

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” is an adage by William Congreve that resonates in the episode of Gilgamesh and Ishtar. Briefly explain the source of the phrase and then describe the circumstances in the poem during which the goddess shows her displeasure at the hero. Again, cite at least 3 plot details/characterizations/events. As part of your paper, you may connect this with other mythologies, provided you cite any outside sources (see syllabus) and that the consequent discussion constitutes no more than paragraph. You should be able to isolate at least one mythologem.

c) Synopsis and Invention:

Pick a specific episode and provide your own summary of the plot, in your best narrative style. Then state the key problems that the hero(s) face? And that of their adversaries? Be creative with this, while getting the facts straight, as it were. Imagine yourself telling the story in that fabulous ancient capital built, according to the Enuma Elish, as a residence for the god Marduk. Equally, imagine the life of Shin-Eqi-Unnini, transcribing, editing, and reimagining the total story at the great library of his master, King Ashurbanipal. As part of your paper, you should be able to utilize at least one mythologem.