Do Now

1. Do Now Why do we study World Lit? What are some of the common themes you have seen repeated through all the literature you have read?

2. Group Assignment • You have read literature in your English classes that have themes that could be considered archetypes. • An Archetype is a theme that has meaning and importance across cultures and time. It is not merely a theme for one culture or time period. • Think of a theme you have read about that is also an archetype. Recall where you read about it in literature and then give a current example to prove it is an archetype (a theme that is still relevant today). • As a group, think of 5 reasons why it is important to study World Literature.

3. Group Assignment (cont) • You only need one copy of your answers, but include the names of your group members on the top. • This is due at the end of the period.

4. Do Now • Think of an archetype that you came across in the last 24 hours…real life event, movie, tv show, radio talk, etc. • Write it down and explain the meaning and relevance of the theme.

5. Unit 1: Intro to “The Epic of Gilgamesh” • In order to understand Gilgamesh and other old pieces of literature, you need to place them in a historical context. • Gilgamesh is one of the oldest works of literature of which we are aware • It was written during the Sumerian Civilization on clay tablets using cuneiform. • Early civilizations such as Sumeria and Babylon were located on rivers for survival. This placed great emphasis on the connection between water and life or survival.

6. Gilgamesh intro (cont) • During Gilgamesh’s time, the ruler was King Hammurabi, known for his code of 282 laws governing all aspects of life. • Hammurabi’s code was most noted for the concept of “an eye for an eye.” • Gilgamesh is on a hero’s quest (plot in which an extraordinary person goes on a difficult journey or mission) for ____________________.

7. Gilgamesh on pages 14-20Questions for response while reading • How are heroes of the past different from those of today? • Past heroes had a lot of pride and had to be physically fit. Definition of hero today has broadened.

8. Questions from notebook • What details from the epic can be helpful with your understanding of the important values of the culture? • Value gods who can grant physical and emotional qualities. • Strength, servitude, courage, determination, kingdom, family, safety. The reader can tell this by details about ramparts and the description of Gilgamesh and the details of his quest.

9. Questions from notebook • Be able to speculate on what was valued by the people of Gilgamesh’s day based on details in the epic. Use answers from last question to formulate your response.

10. Questions from notebook • What can you conclude about life in Gilgamesh’s day judging from the importance placed on the rampart or the defensive walls in the city? (hint: why were ramparts necessary?) • People were subjected to wars and life was tough.

11. Questions from notebook • How can the battle with Humbaba be considered part of the archetype of a hero’s quest? • An archetype is a theme that crosses time and cultures. • Hero’s quest is one type of an archetype. • In order to have a hero’s quest the main character must fulfill hero qualities and go on a quest to accomplish a huge feat and overcome obstacles in the process • Gil is a hero (part god and king), he is on a quest for immortality, he has obstacles of fighting Humbaba, battling the forrest and losing his friend.

12. Questions from notebook • Explain whether or not the quest that Gilgamesh is on is something that is still relevant today. (Opinion) • Battle with Humbaba: Gil and Enkidu have the help of Shamash the sun god to cut down trees and enter Humbaba’s house. They debate whether or not to kill him. Gil wants to grant mercy; Enkidu talk him out of the mercy idea, and they kill him.