ANTHEM by AYN RAND DUE: APRIL 19

                      Anthem by Ayn Rand

Read the novella Anthem by Ayn Rand (it’s a total of 105 pages). Complete the following questions in your Reading Response Notebook. While reading, please switch the first person plural pronouns (we, us, their, they) for their first person singular counterparts (I, me, my, mine.) Please answer each in two or more complete, accurate sentences. Include supporting evidence (quotes and page numbers) to get maximum credit. The following will count as 6 HW grades and averaged together as a Test grade!

CHAPTER 1

            Define: altruism, anti-utopia, collectivism, dystopia, 

1.      (a.) In a well-organized paragraph, describe the society in which Anthem is set. Some areas to consider are the political structure, degree of technology, social relationships, quality of life, and education.

(b.) Would you want to live in this society? Explain why or why not.

2.      Clearly, Ayn Rand intended Equality to stand out from his “brothers.” Explain how she accomplishes this by contrasting Equality’s physical qualities and character traits with those of his fellow men.

3.      Why does the Council of Vocations assign Equality the job of street sweeper? Is it due to error, incompetence of a more sinister motivation? Explain.

4.      When does this novel take place- in the past, the present, or the future? How do you know?

5.      Would you want to be friends with someone like Equality? How do you know?

CHAPTER 2

1.      Reread the account of Liberty 5-3000 on page 38. What character traits are revealed in this brief description?

2.      Of the whole range of feelings possible to man (joy, excitement, anger, embarrassment, etc.), why is fear the prevalent emotion in this society?

3.      (a.) What word is Equality struggling to recapture on page 49?

(b.) In your opinion, why mentioning this word the only crime punishable by death in this society? How does this word contradict the ideals of this society? What could its rediscovery possibly lead to?

CHAPTER 3

1. What does Equality discover in this chapter?
2. How important is this discovery? Describe four or five ways in which it would help society, and make life easier or more enjoyable.
3. Outline some of the Council of Scholars’ beliefs, and Equality’s refutation of     those beliefs.

CHAPTER 4

1. What is ironic about the names in the story? Do they actually have what they are named after, for example Liberty and Equality? 
2. Discuss the appropriateness of Equality’s new name, “Unconquered.” Does it fit him or not? Please explain in one paragraph.

CHAPTER 5

1. Equality understands that his invention will benefit mankind greatly; however, this was not his main motivation in conduction his experiments, and it is not the primary  source of the great joy he experiences. Elaborate on why he feels such thrill over this invention. Can you relate to him? Have you ever created or done anything that you would do for free and where people’s acknowledgment or approval didn’t matter?
2. In your opinion, why is Equality so interested in seeing his own image at this point in the novel? What emotion is he feeling?            

CHAPTER 6

1.      Why is Equality in the Palace of Corrective Detention?  What do they do to him there?

2.      The old locks and the lack of guards in the Palace of Corrective Detention indicate that prisoners never tried to escape. Why not?

             

CHAPTER 7

1. Outline four of the Council’s reasons for rejecting Equality’s invention.
2. What are the real reasons (2) behind the Council’s rejection and fear of Equality’s gift?
3. What does Equality mean, when he says, at the beginning of the chapter "We are old now but we were young this morning”(p. 68)? Remember we = I

Chapter 8

1. What is Equality experiencing for the first time in this chapter? What does he feel, as a result?
2. Explain why Equality laughs when he remember that he is “the Damned”.
3. What does the Uncharted Forest symbolize? (Think of archetypes!)

CHAPTER 9

1. In what ways does Liberty contrast Equality with other men. Identify at least 3 ways.
2. Equality begins to look at what he was taught in the old society about solitude, good, evil and joy. What are four (4) different ways he sees these things and the world now?

CHAPTER 10

1. Describe the house and its contents in your own words.
2. Explain why they find it so strange and unique.

 CHAPTER 11

1. What great discovery does Equality make in this chapter?
2. What does Equality now realize is the proper goal and purpose of his life?
3. Re-read the scene with the Saint of the Pyre (p.50). What was he trying to communicate to Equality?
4. “Whatever road I take, the guiding star is within me.” What does this quote have to do with Equality? How does it relate to you?

CHAPTER 12

1. Why do the main characters take the names Prometheus and Gaea? Where have you read this before?
2. Why weren’t they allowed to choose their names in their old society?
3. What does Prometheus plan to do in the future? Would you support him or not? Support your response.

CREATIVE WRITING ACTIVITIES. CHOOSE ONE TO COMPLETE. WRITE A DRAFT IN  YOUR READING RESPONSE NOTEBOOK, THEN TYPE THE FINAL.

A. You are applying for a job to direct the movie for Anthem. Compose a two-page letter of 5 or more paragraphs, convincing the producers why you are right for the job. In your letter, discuss:

·       your deep reading of the novel (think archetypes found in Genesis, Gilgamesh, To Build A Fire)

·       which actors you would cast as Prometheus and Gaia and why. Think physical and acting ability

·       where in the world you might want to shoot the movie and why is that area ideal

·       an explanation of what the theme of the novel is and why it would be relevant to audiences today

·       description of the music, the clothing and how you would shoot two major scenes.

B. One of the challenges of being a teenager and an adolescent is the peer pressure to participate in negative activities such as smoking, drinking, bullying, fighting and others. Write a five paragraph letter to the school’s newspaper explaining how the example of strong individuality and standing for one’s beliefs found in Anthem can be motivation for those who don’t want to follow a crowd in doing negative things. Make it clear how Equality/Prometheus is a positive role model for those who want to be an individual.

C. Ayn Rand was an extremist philosopher who believed that the individual is the most important element of a society and that the role of government was to support the society. She even said “Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).”

Argue against or with her idea that the individual is of utmost importance in a society. Consider societies where the we work for the good of the whole or where the we take advantage of smaller groups. Which side do you support: Ayn Rand’s extreme individuality, the opposite of collectivism or some balance between both? Use examples from the story to support both. Write it in a five paragraph or more letter format to the author. 

LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY: TO BUILD A FIRE DUE: APRIL 8

LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY: “TO BUILD A FIRE” by JACK LONDON

NAME:                                   DATE GIVEN:                              DATE DUE:  APRIL 8                              PD.:

            PARTS OF THE ESSAY:

1. Concisely summarize the major plot events of the story (4 paragraphs = 40%)

Use the literary terms: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, protagonist, antagonist, and setting.

2.   Identify and explain the two major conflicts that drive the plot of the story. (2 paragraphs = 20%)

3.   Identify two key moments of dramatic irony in the story and explain how it creates suspense in you, the reader. (2 paragraphs = 20%)

4.   Define Naturalism or Realism and argue for how this story fits into the category. (1 paragraph = 10%)

5.    In your closing section, identify what is Jack London’s theme in this story. What message is he trying to communicate to the reader? (1 paragraph = 10%)

RULES OF THE ESSAY:

1.    Paragraphs must be at least 5 sentences but no more than 8.

2.   Sentences must be a mixture of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.

3.   At least 20 vocabulary words from Unit 1 and Unit 2 must be used and highlighted.

4.   Transitions must be used between paragraphs.

5.    One draft (handwritten or typed) with significant comments must be included

6.   The final must be typed in full and complete MLA format.

7.   This essay will count as a project grade (15%) and two homework grades (10%).

___________________________                  _______________________            __________________

Print Parent’s Name                                       Parent’s Signature (5 pts)                   Date Received

I understand the assignment listed above and promise to work to the best of my ability and actively seek out help when needed in order to achieve an 85 or higher as prescribed by the rubric assigned to this paper. Consequently, I understand I risk a failing grade if I do not try, submit my work late and do not include this assignment sheet. .

____________________________              __________________                          _________________

Print Student’s Name                                   Student’s Signature (5 pts.)                Date Submitted

Tech Lovers

Do you like using technology?

Do you know how to use on-line research tools?

Do you know how to cite sources when writing a research paper? Attend the

Academic Research Workshop Thursday, March 21, Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18 and 25

3:30—4:45 p.m.

at

The City College of New York 160 Convent Avenue Shepard Hall 227

New York, NY 10031

Reserve your seat now at collegenow@ccny.cuny.edu on or before Monday, March 18, 2013. 

GILGAMESH PROJECT ESSAY

NAME:                                 DATE GIVEN:                                         DATE DUE:                            PD:

ESSAY:  COMPARISON-CONTRAST

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve (Superman actor)

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” Joseph Campbell

“Everyone is necessarily the hero of his or her own story” – John Barth

“The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.” – Felix Adler

Option 1

             Gilgamesh is a hero on a quest for the secret of immorality. Think about one modern day hero – from books, movies or TV – who is also on a quest of some kind. In an essay, compare and contrast Gilgamesh to this modern – day hero.

Option 2

            Gilgamesh and Enkidu are an almost undefeatable duo whose bond crates an ideal, complementary team. These two friends know, understand and love each other on a profound level to the point where they will enter battle in full support of the other. Think of another modern-day such as Mike and Marcus (Bad Boys) , Thelma and Louise , Frodo and Sam , Batman and Robin , etc. Then compare and contrast Gilgamesh and Enkidu with this modern day duo.

Option 3

            From the harlot to Ninsun the prophetess to Ishtar, the goddess of love, war and fertility and Siduri, the goddess of wine and merrymaking, the female characters in The Epic of Gilgamesh represent the multiple sides of women as well as the many roles women have inhabited in ancient and contemporary society. Think of some modern- day female characters – from books, movies, or TV – who embody some of the same qualities as the women in The Epic of Gilgamesh. Then compare and contrast two women from the story to two modern – day female characters.

Requirements

Your essay will be assessed on the strength of your analysis, your mastery of grammar elements and vocabulary taught in class. Therefore, use:

             1. strong analysis of characters by identifying qualities

             2. literary elements

             3. clear language in compound , complex or compound – complex sentences

             4. capitalization of proper nouns and words that start a sentence

             5. active voice at all times

             6. vivid and appropriate adjectives and adverbs

             7. at least fifteen vocabulary words confidently

             8. Standard English free of slang, colloquialisms and abbreviated text

__________________________                ____________________________          __________________ (3 pts.)

Print Parent’s Name                     Parent Signature                         Date Received

I understand the assignment and promise to work to the best of my ability and actively seek out help when needed in order to achieve an 85 or higher. Consequently, I understand I risk a failing grade if I do not try or submit my work late.

________________________               ____________________________                 _________________(3 pts.)

Print Student’s Name               Student’s Signature                           Date

Students, 

Here is a website which provides you with the full text of Gilgamesh>

http://www.aina.org/books/eog/eog.pdf

Epic of Gilgamesh Questions

NAME:                                                                                   English 2, Period:       Date Given:

Frederick Douglass Academy                                                Mr. Walker   Date Due: FEB. 1. 2013

“The Epic of Gilgamesh”

A.    READ PAGES 799-826, then answer all the questions below.

B.    Answer using complete sentences that restate the questions.

C.    Use vocabulary from Unit 1 & 2 of your workbook. in your answers.  

D.   Think deeply about these answers because they will appear on your tests and projects.

E.    Write the section as a way to organize your answers. Do not copy the questions over.

THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH - SECTION 1: THE COMING OF ENKIDU

1.     Define: endow, firmament, rampart, cornice, threshold, comely, contend, harlot, wanton, extol, jostle, throng,

meteor

2.     How would you describe Gilgamesh as a king and a person?

3.     Why is Enkidu a threat to the hunters at first?

4.     How is Enkidu transformed?

5.     What two objects (aka symbols) does Gilgamesh dream about? How does his mother interpret them?

6.     How does Enkidu become beneficial to the shepherds?

7.     Why does Enkidu fight Gilgamesh? Why do they end the fight embracing and laughing?

THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH – SECTION II: THE FOREST JOURNEY

1.     Define: hubris, kid, scepter, league, ominous, immolation, summon

2.     Identify two reasons Gilgamesh wants to kill Humbaba.

3.     Why is Enkidu tentative to join Gilgamesh in battle? How does Gilgamesh convince him?

4.     Who is Shamash? Why does Gilgamesh offer him sacrifices? How does Shamash help Gilgamesh?

5.     Why do the people of Uruk and Ninsun trust Enkidu to protect Gilgamesh?

6.     How does Gilgamesh incite Humbaba’s anger? What happens to Gilgamesh at the gate of the forest?

7.     n’t Enkidu believe Humbaba’s promises to Gilgamesh?

8.     Text-to-Text Connections: Onondaga-Earth on Turtle’s Back and Babylonia-The Epic of Gilgamesh. What do both these stories reveal about how each culture views and values dreams and the dream world?

9.     Text-to-Self Connection: Would you follow Gilgamesh on this trip to kill Humbaba? Why or why not?  If you were Gilgamesh, would you ignore or heed the voice of Enkidu and Ninsun? Why or why not?

THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH – SECTION III: ISHTAR & GILGAMESH

1.   Define: barley, granary, brazier, smolder, squall, garrison, abominable, halter, exacerbate, courtesan, lamentation

2.   Who is Ishtar and what does she want? Would you describe her as a ‘gold-digger’ or ambitious? Why? Why not?

3.   Why does Gilgamesh deny her proposal? How does Enkidu exacerbate Gilgamesh’s actions?

4.   Why does Enkidu curse the gate of the forest, the Trapper and the harlot? How does Shamash counteract this?

5.   How does the death of Enkidu affect Gilgamesh? Why is he so distraught over Enkidu’s death?

THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH – SECTION IV: THE SEARCH FOR EVERLASTING LIFE

1.     Define: deluge, irony, felon, allot, bitumen, ferrule, decree,

2.     How does the death of Enkidu change Gilgamesh?

3.     Who is Utnapishtim and why does Gilgamesh seek him out?

4.     How does the Man-Scorpion serve as the first obstacle Gilgamesh faces on this quest?

5.     How is the title of the path, The Road of the Sun, an ironic name?

6.     How does the experience of walking on the path, The Road of the Sun, reflect Gilgamesh’s psychological and emotional state?

7.     How does Siduri attempt to deter Gilgamesh from his quest?

8.      What serious error does Gilgamesh make just before meeting Urshanabi?

9.     What is Urshanabi’s primary duty? What task does Urshanabi compel Gilgamesh to complete?

10.  How do you feel about Gilgamesh’s quest? Would you endorse him on this journey or not? Why?

THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH – SECTION V: THE STORY OF THE FLOOD

1.     How is Utnapishtim’s story similar to the Babylonian origin narrative?

2.     How is his story similar to that of Noah from the Bible?

3.     Do you believe Ishtar and Enlil are remorseful for creating the flood?

4.     Why do you think Utnapishtim and his wife were chosen to become immortal? 

THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH: SECTION VI: THE RETURN

Define: haunch, irate, succor, fillet (hair), sluice, slough

1.     How does Utnapishtim test Gilgamesh? Why does he get irate? What is the moral of his test?

2.     Why do you think Gilgamesh sleeps so much?

3.     How does Utnapishtim’s wife persuade her husband to provide succor to Gilgamesh?

4.     How does the plant offer hope to Gilgamesh? Describe the actions he takes to derive the plant.

5.     What robs Gilgamesh of his victory? In what text has this symbolic animal appeared before?

6.     At the close of the story, why does Gilgamesh show Urshanabi the city of Uruk?

SOURCES OF THE EPIC Return to the front of the story and read pages 796-798. Now Answer:

1.     Whose library was found in Mesopotamia? What two works were found there?

2.     What did George Smith announce and why was it a major concern to scholars?

3.     When did Gilgamesh rule and what was he known for? Identify the two major events in his life.

4.     What made Gilgamesh unique? Why were his people dissatisfied with him?

5.     How is Enkidu domesticated?

6.     How is the bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu an archetype?

7.     Create a T-chart of five (5) lines. Identify three differences between them.

8.     Why do they fight Humbaba? What does this fight symbolize?

9.     How is Gilgamesh’s rejection of Ishtar similar to Marduk and Tiamat’s war?

10.  How is Enkidu’s punishment similar to Prometheus’?

Analysis Questions. CHOOSE TWO TO ANSWER IN TWO PARAGRAPHS EACH OR MORE!

A.    What is the central lesson Gilgamesh is supposed to learn from Enkidu? In 3 paragraphs, explain how Enkidu’s presence in Gilgamesh’s life has affected him? What has Gilgamesh gained or lost since knowing Enkidu? Has it made him more or less human? more or less hubristic? How so? Is this an improvement in character for Gilgamesh?

B.    Reread “The Story of the Flood” and summarize in two paragraphs what happened to Utnapishtim. How did those events change his perspective on life?

C.    Compile a list of the major symbols in the story (ax, star, forest, serpent, bull, etc.). For each, explain what they symbolize and state clearly whether you think they are archetypes.