Professional Documents
Culture Documents
World Lit 2
World Lit 2
wrath
2. reverence 7. aloof
3. assent 8. smite
4. crafty 9. pyre
5. couch 10. hecatomb
Friendship is an important theme in the Iliad. Achilles' love for his friend Patroclus drives him to perform
heroic deeds, including seeking revenge for Patroclus' death by killing Hector. Achilles' devotion to his
friend also leads to his decision to withdraw from battle, showing the power of friendship to motivate
acts of heroism and self-sacrifice.
The Iliad represents key values of ancient Greek culture, including honor, hospitality, piety, fate, and
excellence. The characters in the story strive to earn honor through bravery and adhere to a strict code
of conduct. They value respect for the gods, accept their predetermined fate, and aim for excellence in
all areas of life.
5. What is the significance of Achilles' parading the dead body of Hector around Troy?
Achilles parading Hector's dead body around Troy was significant because it showed his hatred for the
Trojans and violated the Greek code of honor by denying Hector a proper burial. However, returning
Hector's body to his father demonstrated a moment of compassion and humanity in the midst of war.
5. How does the author present "metamorphosis" in the selection? If a transformation took place in the
selection, what was it?
In the selection of Pygmalion, the author presents "metamorphosis" through the transformation of Eliza
Doolittle. At the beginning of the story, Eliza is uneducated and speaks with a strong accent. The author
shows how Eliza's character transforms into a refined and educated lady with proper manners, through
the help of Professor Henry Higgins. This transformation is the metamorphosis presented in the story.
1. chariot 6. Vanquish
2. conquest7. flinch
3. scarce8. deity
4. brazen9. citadel
5. prow10. Smite
The Aeneid was inspired by The Odyssey. They both tell stories of heroes on journeys, but with different
goals. The Aeneid borrows some themes from The Odyssey, and the main character, Aeneas, is like
Odysseus but more responsible. The Odyssey had a big effect on The Aeneid.
2. Are there characters in the Greek epics which are also present in The Aeneid? Who are they? What are
their roles?
The Aeneid has some characters from Greek epics, such as Aeneas, the main character who wants to find
a new home for his people. Dido is the queen of Carthage who loves Aeneas but kills herself when he
leaves. Hector is also in the story, but not as important as in The Iliad.
In The Aeneid, Virgil portrays several Roman virtues. Aeneas personifies Pietas, which means fulfilling
one's duties and responsibilities towards family, community, and the gods. Aeneas is also courageous
and skilled in battle, embodying the virtue of Virtus. The Trojan people are dignified and honorable,
personifying Dignitas, which means maintaining one's dignity and prestige even in difficult times.
4. Does the Aeneid provide a glorious historical background for the Roman people? Why or why not?
The Aeneid provides a glorious historical background for the Romans. It tells the story of Aeneas, who is
the ancestor of the Romans and was a noble and heroic figure. The poem emphasizes the virtues that
are important in Roman culture and portrays Aeneas as embodying these qualities. By doing so, Virgil
reinforces the idea that these virtues are fundamental to Roman identity and that they have been
present since the earliest days of Roman culture. This helps to promote a sense of pride and legitimacy
in Roman ancestry and cultural heritage.
5. What are the literary distinctions between Homer of Greece and Virgil of Rome?
Homer and Virgil have different writing styles. Homer's style is characterized by simplicity, directness,
and vividness, while Virgil's style is more complex and ornate. Homer uses straightforward language and
vivid descriptions to tell his stories, while Virgil uses elaborate imagery and figurative language to create
his literary works.
Grendel is a fearsome monster in Beowulf, known for his supernatural strength and ability to kill many
men at once. He is said to be a descendant of Cain, the biblical character who committed the first
murder. Grendel lives alone in a dismal swamp and is envious and hateful towards the men in Heorot, a
mead hall. He preys on them, is a cannibal, and is described as being impervious to weapons. These
characteristics make him a formidable and terrifying opponent.
4. Does the selection speak of the victory of Christianity over paganism? How?
The portion of the Beowulf story that depicts the fight with Grendel's mother suggests that there is a
blending of both pagan and Christian elements. Beowulf seeks help from God during the fight, and the
sword that he uses to defeat Grendel's mother is believed to have been created by God, but also crafted
by giants. Rather than presenting a clear victory of one religion over the other, the text implies a merging
of the two beliefs.
The epic poem Beowulf does not have a single, central Christian lesson, but instead explores various
themes such as heroism, loyalty, fate, and good versus evil. Though the poem contains some Christian
elements, such as references to God and Christian values, it also reflects pagan beliefs and traditions.
Therefore, while Beowulf can be seen as a work that incorporates both Christian and pagan influences, it
is not primarily a work that aims to convey a particular Christian lesson.
2. The story is told in the first-person point of view. How old is the narrator as depicted in the story?
The age of the narrator in "Araby" by James Joyce is not directly mentioned in the story. However, based
on the context, it appears that he is a young boy or adolescent, likely between 12 to 14 years old. His
status as a student in a Catholic school and his dependence on his aunt and uncle suggest that he is not
yet fully grown. His fascination with the girl at the bazaar and his limited comprehension of love and
relationships further indicate that he is quite young.
1. discourse 6. Subtle
2. ornament 7. sloth
3. crafty 8. diligence
4. confute 9. extract
5. impediment 10. Witty
Francis Bacon, in his essay "Of Studies," suggests that excessive studying can have negative
consequences. These include social isolation, neglect of duties, and arrogance. He warns that if someone
becomes too obsessed with their intellectual pursuits, they may begin to look down on others and
believe themselves to be superior. Bacon emphasizes the importance of balance, suggesting that while
studying is valuable, it should not come at the expense of one's relationships or responsibilities.
3.How does Bacon classify books? Could you cite examples of books
for each classification?
Francis Bacon categorizes books into three types based on their purpose: books for entertainment,
books for education, and books for reference.
Books for entertainment are those that are written to be enjoyed, such as plays, poetry, and romantic
literature. Examples of such books include William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Chaucer's "The
Canterbury Tales," and John Milton's "Paradise Lost."
Books for education, on the other hand, are written to inform and educate readers, such as philosophical
treatises, histories, and scientific works. Examples of such books include Plato's "The Republic,"
Herodotus's "The Histories," and Isaac Newton's "The Principia."
Finally, books for reference are intended to be used as sources of information, such as dictionaries,
encyclopedias, and compendiums. Examples of such books include the "Oxford English Dictionary," the
"Encyclopedia Britannica," and "Roget's Thesaurus.
According to Bacon, studies can have an impact on a person's personality. He believed that by pursuing
knowledge through studying, individuals can improve their intellect, gain a better understanding of the
world, and undergo personal development. Bacon considered a comprehensive education necessary for
building one's character and personality.
The essay "Of Studies" written by Francis Bacon is widely recognized as a significant literary work that
has had a lasting influence on people's views on education and learning. It highlights the significance of
reading, writing, and personal growth through the pursuit of knowledge. As a student, this essay can
serve as a helpful guide to develop good study habits, understand the advantages of gaining knowledge,
and learn how to effectively use books for self-improvement while avoiding the drawbacks of excessive
study.
2. According to Toynbee, can communism in Russia coexist with the democracy in the Western world?
How?
Toynbee discusses the possibility of peaceful coexistence between the communist world and the
Western world. He suggests that it is desirable for these two worlds to tolerate each other's presence on
the same planet, and he considers the terms on which this could happen. He notes that it is controversial
to determine what is possible and desirable, and he offers his personal opinion. He believes that it is
important to be firm and vigilant against the prospect of war, but that it is not inevitable. Toynbee offers
historical examples of tensions between Russia and the West, and how they were eventually resolved.
He suggests that the current tension with Russia may end in either war or relaxation of tension, and that
it is important to be prepared for both possibilities.
The selection is considered a historical piece for multiple reasons. Arnold Toynbee, the author, was a
respected historian who wrote extensively on world history. The text also references historical events
such as the Crimean War and Anglo-Russian relations of the 19th century. Additionally, Toynbee makes
comparisons between historical events and the present-day political situation, providing a historical
context for current events. Therefore, the selection is an important historical piece that provides
valuable insights and perspective on historical events and their relevance to the present-day situation.
4. What historical illustrations did Toynbee introduce in the selection? Did he refer to them as arguments
in his assertion?
Toynbee presented historical examples in the selection to support his argument on the possibility of
peaceful coexistence between the Western world and the communist world. He specifically referred to
Anglo-Russian relations during the 19th century, the Crimean War, and Russia's expansion eastward
overland, which was viewed as a threat by the liberal Western world. He drew parallels between these
historical events and the current tensions between the Western world and Russia. While he did not use
these examples as direct arguments, they served as historical context and perspective to support his
overall assertion.
5. How can this selection be of use to you? How did it affect you?
The selection can be helpful for those studying history, international relations, and political science. It
provides historical context and perspective on the current tensions between the Western and
communist worlds, aiding readers to understand the complexities of international relations. The
selection also demonstrates how historical events can impact current situations and decisions, giving
readers insight into the present by examining the past. As a result, readers can potentially make better
decisions for the future.
1. How did Shakespeare make use of figurative language to convey his emotions?
2 Is he effective in the use of similes and metaphors? Could you cite lines in the sonnets that exemplify
his use of these figures of speech?
Shakespeare is well-known for his sonnets' adept use of similes and metaphors. In Sonnet 18, he
compares his love to a summer day, claiming she is more gorgeous and temperate than the season's
transitory splendor. In Sonnet 29, he utilizes the metaphors of "outcast" and "dejected" to express his
emotional state, declaring that he would switch places with everyone who enjoys good fortune. The
metaphor of being "in disgrace with fortune" demonstrates his skillful use of figurative language.
In Sonnet 18, the poet expresses adoration and love for the person he is addressing in the poem. The
poet is celebrating the person's attractiveness and attempting to immortalize it in his poetry.
There is a shift in the poet's emotional state in Sonnet 29. The poet begins the sonnet by expressing
melancholy and despair, feeling like an outcast and cursed by fortune. However, as the sonnet
progresses, the poet's mood improves and he feels better. He thinks about a beloved friend's love and
the happiness it brings him, which elevates his spirits and makes him feel like a king. As a result, by the
end of the sonnet, the poet's feelings have shifted from despair to satisfaction and contentment.
Both Sonnet 18 and Sonnet 29 are vivid in their own ways, although it is difficult to say which is more so.
Sonnet 18 use strong imagery to compare the poem's subject to a summer day, whereas Sonnet 29
employs powerful metaphors to depict the poet's emotional state.
The vivid imagery in Sonnet 18 paints a clear picture of the subject's beauty and perfection, which is
heightened by the contrast to a summer day. The vivid imagery of "rough winds" and "the eye of
heaven" contribute to the subject's beauty and timeless character.
Sonnet 29's powerful metaphors, on the other hand, paint a vivid emotional picture of the poet's
anguish and feelings of inadequacy. Metaphors such as "outcast state" are used.
2. Why does the poet mean with "Will no one tell me what she sings?"
The poet's words "Will no one tell me what she sings?" indicates his desire to comprehend the
significance of the peasant girl's song. He is charmed by her voice and the beauty of her song, but he
does not comprehend the language in which she sings. As a result, he is inquisitive about the meaning of
the song and wants someone could explain it for him.
1. acclaim 6. Ephemeral
2. pinnacle7. doom
3. anguish8. puny
4. travail9. compassion
5. agony 10. Pillar
1. superb 6. Tramp
2. slouch 7. toil
3. sinecure 8.aloft
4. nabob 9. surf
5. thither 10.avalanche
1. Mark Twain is known for his humor. Could you cite humorous lines from his work to prove this?
2. Are there exaggerations in his expressions? Did these contribute to his humor?
3. What is the attitude of the author towards nature? Is it implicitly indicated in the story?
4. Did the selection show the irresponsibility of man toward nature? Could you cite an evidence?