World History
Describe the importance of the use of fire to early humans.
With fire, early humans could use it to help scare off wild animals and stay warm. They could cook foods that would normally be too hard to digest or cause illness, and, sometimes, they used fire to scare animals out of caves or forests so it was easier to hunt them and kill them.
2. Describe some of the dramatic changes that took place during the Neolithic Revolution, and the consequences of these changes.
During the Neolithic Revolution, one of the most dramatic changes was that early humans changed their ways of hunting animals and gathering foods, to keeping animals and growing vegetables and berries. This lead to early humams remaining in one place and began the forming of villages and towns. Historians believe this to be one of the most important devolpment in human history, leading to how we grow foods and keep animals today. Villages and towns eventually began to form into cities as more and more people began to settle and the consequences, organized communities, the begin of trade, jobs, for example, lead to how we live today.
3. Explain how the roles of men and women change from the Paleolithic age to the Neolithic age.
During the Paleolithic Age, men and women, shared a somewhat "rough equality" being that both served important roles in survival. Since women took care of the children, they stayed nearer to the camps and gathered nuts and berries and grains. Men did most of the hunting, but during the Neolithic Age, men began to do more of the farming and keeping of the animals. Women then began to remain closer to home again and take of the foods and weaving and making cloths and clothes.
4. Explain how the Neolithic Age set the stage for the emergence of civilizations.
During this age, peoples began to remain in one place where they could make homes, farms, and walls to protect themselves. These villages and towns grew into cities and towards the end of Neolithic Age, with the growing numbers lead to the forming of more organized cilvilations and governments.
5. Explain the role of government in society.
To manage human activity and jobs and organize life and armies and laws.
B) choose one of the following archaeological sites to research: Altamira, Spain; Tassili n'Ajer, Algeria; or Stonehenge, England. Report your research in the form of a magazine article explaining the site's location and the importance of its discovery.
the Cave Of Altamira
In 1879, Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, an amateur archeologist, and his eight year old daughter, Maria, went to explore a cave in the central region of Cantabria, Spain. Informed of its whereabouts by Modesto Cubillas, who had discovered the cave originally in the late 1860’s, Marcelino and his daughter went to seek the mysterious cavern that resided upon their land.
When they entered the monstrous mouth of the cave, both armed with glowing lanterns, Marcelino began digging around the floor of the cavern, searching for and discovering artifact after artifact. The cave’s floor was mainly of thick dark clay and rocks. The ceiling ran almost completely horizontal and was covered in calcerenites up to a meter thick. There were even signs water had once run through the cavern and at the entrance lay a large, chaotic pile of rocks that had once, 13,000 years earlier, been the original mouth of the cave before it had collapsed and enclosed, and so doing, preserved all that lay inside.
As Maria’s father continued to scour Altamira’s floor, she wandered deeper into the cave and was the first to witness, what has been called, the epitome of humankind’s creative spirit. Upon the polychrome rock walls were vivid, beautiful and stunning images of bison, goats, horses, mysterious signs and human hands. On the ceiling resided Altamira’s most glorious depiction: a herd of extinct steppe bison in different poses, two horses, a large doe and a giant, wild boar.
Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola and eight year old Maria had discovered the art of Altamira.
The paintings and carvings were created between 18,500 and 14,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic Age by early human beings. The cave was inhabited for over 9,000 years, (over 22,00013,000 before present time) and the art extends over more than 270 meters throughout the cave. The polychrome rock paintings were created with charcoal, ochre and/or haematite and the early painters had even diluted the pigments to make variations of shades and colors and intensities. They had also used the contours and curves of the cave to their advantage to give a three-dimensional effect to their artwork, making it even more surreal and beautiful.
With help from a fellow archeologist, Juan Villanova y Piera, Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola excavated the cave and, a year later, in 1880, published their findings in a widely acclaimed pamphlet, stating that the paintings, carvings and artifacts were all from the Paleolithic Age.
Altamira was the first cave ever to be discovered with prehistoric paintings, and with such animated, colorful and expressive work, the world of the nineteenth century believed it to be a hoax. Despite Marcelino’s intellectual background, the scientific community refused to believe his hypothesis. The controversy was bitter and cruel and lasted into the twentieth century. Early humans having the intellect and creative mind to create such paintings sent a shock wave through the scientific and archeology communities. Marcelino was even accused of forgery and some thought he had stooped so low as to hire a contemporary artist to create the paintings and then faked stumbling upon them with his daughter.
For many years Altamira was forgotten.
And it wasn’t until 1902 that serval other artifactual findings and caves in the area filled with similar, prehistoric paintings, concluded that Marcelino's findings were actually authentic. The scientific community and one Emile Cartailhac, who had been particularly adamant on rejecting the authenticity of Marcelino's findings, retracted their opposition and sent and published a long overdo letter of apology.
Instantly, Altamira was then universally recoginized, year after year, more and more people visiting the cave to see the beautiful artwork inside. The cave was visited so often that in the 1970's it became necessary to restrict public access and then eventually, a few years later, close it off entirely to preserve the vivid colors and creations inside.
Not too long after the closer of the cavern, a museum and research center was made to showcase recreations of the art and framed pieces of the actual work, teaching also about the archeologist and his daughter who discovered the cave.
It took twenty two years for Altamira to be recognized for the great piece of prehistoric history it was, twenty two years before it would be seen as the true epitome of humankind's creative spirit. It was transformed into an icon, its importance to known pre-history uncomprehensible. But Marcelino, having died fourteen years earlier on his birthday, June second, did not live to see his name or his discovery cleared of scrutiny and appreciated for the true mastery it was. Without him, and his eight year old daughter, Altamira and all its beauty and art, would not have ever been discovered. And we would not have known the embodiment of humanity's spirit.
1. How did pastoral nomads contribute to early civilization?
Pastrol nomads work often with long distance trade, carrying products from one place to another. Doing so, they passed on much to technology which helped develope many cities and early civilzations.
2. Why was the invention of writing so important for the development of civilization?
It was important because it allowed early peoples to keep records, but it was also important to schools and other businesses.
3. Explain the importance of the Nile river to the development of the Egyptian civilization.
With the yearly flooding of the Nile, easy cities and civilizations around the area were able to keep good farming and livestock. It also allowed early peoples to travel more quickly and communicate easier. The Nile also provided a protection for the Egyptians.
4. Explain how two Sumerian inventions affect our lives today.
Without the Sumerian invention of the wheel, today, there would be no cars or bikes or the like. And without the sundial, we would have no way to keep time.
4. Identify two major differences between Judaism and most other ancient religions.
Unlike the religion of Egypt and most of Mesopotamia, Judaism believed there to be only one God. All people were servants of this God. He created the earth and nature, but did not control it. Nature was simply natural phenomena, and not the act of goddesses or gods as other account peoples believed. Judaism’s God also showed concern and love for all of humanity, despite differing beliefs. Judaism also opened God’s word to everyone. It was written down and shared with all.
f) Listed on page 60 of your textbook are the 10 commandments that God gave the Israelites. Compare them with the laws from Hammurabi's code on page 44. How are they similar? In what ways are they different?
One unified concept in both Hammurabi’s Code and God’s Ten Commandments is the idea of a universal moral code. Though Hammurabi’s Code lays out consequences for evil actions against someone else (e.g. “if a free man has destroyed the eye of a member of the aristocracy, they shall destroy his eye.”), the Ten Commandments state more rules or guidelines to follow, still maintaining a sense of fallout for wrong doing.
They both also share the condemning of harm upon some else (e.g. “Thou shalt not kill”, “Thou shalt not steal”) and both possess the right to kill if it is justifiable. Hammurabi’s Code covers a larger variety of everyday laws, like things with simple farming or travel or trade while the Ten Commandments possess a more singular variety of topics. Though both have much in common, the Ten commandments maintains a stronger sense of unity than Hammurabi’s code. But still, both still remain in our lives today, no matter how old.
Answer the following questions:
1. Identify and explain the importance of the ancient Indian's scientific advances.
India possessed a large knowledge in astronomy. They were some of the first to recognize the earth was circular and rotated on an axis. They also prevailed in mathematics and Aryabhata was one of the first to use algebra. India also introduced the concept of zero that spread world wide.
2.Describe the impact of the Han period on Chinese free peasants.
Military demands and monthly forced laboring lack of acreridge for farming made it difficult for free peasants to survive.
3. Describe how Buddhism differs from Hinduism.
Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism, by many followers, is considered more of a philosophy than a religion. Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism also did not think there were such a multitude of Gods as in Hinduism. He didn't want his follows to worship his person or image after his death. Siddhartha also believed humans should not be divided into castes based on their previous lives like in Hinduism. He taught that all humans, regardless of caste or stator, could reach nirvana.
4. Describe the ways in which the two elements of duty and humanity were expressed in the Confucian view of the Dao.
Confucius believed that duty to relationships (parent and child, husband and wife, etc) would have an important impact on society. If each person did their duties with work and one another, society would prosper. The simple concept of humanity in Confucian view is empathy. "Do not do unto others that you would not wish done to yourself."
5. Explain what effects karma has on the present life in the future life according to Hinduism.
Karma is the forces formed by a person's actions in their life. If a person is awful in one life, he is doomed to be reincarnated in the lowest caste system to pay for such actions and vice versa.
1. Explain Homer's influence on Greek civilization.
His epic poems were seen as fact--true history. Greeks admired the heros in his works and many of their ideals and morals were derived from what his heros did.
2. Rescribe the role of women in Athens.
The role of woman in Athens, besides giving birth to healthy baby boys, was to stay at home and teach their daughters how to run a proper household.
3. Describe the growth of democracy in Athens.
For a long time Athens seemed on the verge of civil war. Farmers were sold into slavery when they were unable to pay their debts, aristocrats still controlled the government and it was by Solon that these thing began to change. He released the farmers from their debts, but his ideas did not solve all of Athens problems. It fell into tyranny until cleisthenes took control and help introduce the idea of democracy and much later, was a complete democracy in the age of Pericles.
4. Explain the spread of Greek culture into Southwest Asia during the Hellenistic era.
Because of Alexander the great's military triumphs, lots of Southwest Asia adopted Greek art, sciences, philosophy and many other Greek traditions.
5. What were Plato's ideas about reality and government?
Plato's ideas about reality was a simple question, How do we know what is real? He believed that everything we saw was merely a reflection of the real, in an eternal world on top of our own. Everything we see are shadows. His ideas on government consisted of an ideal state where people were decided into three castes--similar to (but not exactly the same) as the Hindu castes system. He thought there should be 3 groups; philosopher kings, warriors and the masses. Plato also believed, amazingly, that women and men were equal.
B) Write a paragraph explaining what you think might have happened to the Minoan civilization.
The Minoan civilization flourished in the Bronze Age of Greece. From 2000 BC to 1400 BC the Minoan civilization spread across many islands all over Greece, mainly upon the land Crete where the ruins of Knossos remain. The Minoan peoples became well known for their unique art, architecture and their knack for trade, seafare and high culture. But in 1400 BC, the Minoan people seemed to vanish. Public records archeologists had found regarding them stopped abruptly and the only thing that remained were the ruins of grand palaces, city states and villages upon the island Crete. Most scholars believe an earthquake and tsunami tore through Knossos, killing the inhabitants or sending them running to different islands for safety. However, many, I among them, believe invaders from other Greek islands, attacking from the sea, were the cause of the fall of the Minoan civilization. Not too long after the palaces and villages were destroyed was a new palace formed, on a smaller, less cultured scale. All writing shifted from literature or history to simple fare and trade, and eventually the rebuilding ceased completely. I believe that these new Greek invaders tried to rebuild Crete in its image, but eventually gave up, leaving the ruins of Knossos behind. It is still unknown, however, what truly destroyed such a progressive civilization. But the art, architecture and literature the Minoan people left behind will stay important to Greek history and the beginning of a new Mediterranean would forever.
India possessed a large knowledge in astronomy. They were some of the first to recognize the earth was circular and rotated on an axis. They also prevailed in mathematics and Aryabhata was one of the first to use algebra. India also introduced the concept of zero that spread world wide.
2.Describe the impact of the Han period on Chinese free peasants.
Military demands and monthly forced laboring lack of acreridge for farming made it difficult for free peasants to survive.
3. Describe how Buddhism differs from Hinduism.
Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism, by many followers, is considered more of a philosophy than a religion. Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism also did not think there were such a multitude of Gods as in Hinduism. He didn't want his follows to worship his person or image after his death. Siddhartha also believed humans should not be divided into castes based on their previous lives like in Hinduism. He taught that all humans, regardless of caste or stator, could reach nirvana.
4. Describe the ways in which the two elements of duty and humanity were expressed in the Confucian view of the Dao.
Confucius believed that duty to relationships (parent and child, husband and wife, etc) would have an important impact on society. If each person did their duties with work and one another, society would prosper. The simple concept of humanity in Confucian view is empathy. "Do not do unto others that you would not wish done to yourself."
5. Explain what effects karma has on the present life in the future life according to Hinduism.
Karma is the forces formed by a person's actions in their life. If a person is awful in one life, he is doomed to be reincarnated in the lowest caste system to pay for such actions and vice versa.
1. Explain Homer's influence on Greek civilization.
His epic poems were seen as fact--true history. Greeks admired the heros in his works and many of their ideals and morals were derived from what his heros did.
2. Rescribe the role of women in Athens.
The role of woman in Athens, besides giving birth to healthy baby boys, was to stay at home and teach their daughters how to run a proper household.
3. Describe the growth of democracy in Athens.
For a long time Athens seemed on the verge of civil war. Farmers were sold into slavery when they were unable to pay their debts, aristocrats still controlled the government and it was by Solon that these thing began to change. He released the farmers from their debts, but his ideas did not solve all of Athens problems. It fell into tyranny until cleisthenes took control and help introduce the idea of democracy and much later, was a complete democracy in the age of Pericles.
4. Explain the spread of Greek culture into Southwest Asia during the Hellenistic era.
Because of Alexander the great's military triumphs, lots of Southwest Asia adopted Greek art, sciences, philosophy and many other Greek traditions.
5. What were Plato's ideas about reality and government?
Plato's ideas about reality was a simple question, How do we know what is real? He believed that everything we saw was merely a reflection of the real, in an eternal world on top of our own. Everything we see are shadows. His ideas on government consisted of an ideal state where people were decided into three castes--similar to (but not exactly the same) as the Hindu castes system. He thought there should be 3 groups; philosopher kings, warriors and the masses. Plato also believed, amazingly, that women and men were equal.
B) Write a paragraph explaining what you think might have happened to the Minoan civilization.
The Minoan civilization flourished in the Bronze Age of Greece. From 2000 BC to 1400 BC the Minoan civilization spread across many islands all over Greece, mainly upon the land Crete where the ruins of Knossos remain. The Minoan peoples became well known for their unique art, architecture and their knack for trade, seafare and high culture. But in 1400 BC, the Minoan people seemed to vanish. Public records archeologists had found regarding them stopped abruptly and the only thing that remained were the ruins of grand palaces, city states and villages upon the island Crete. Most scholars believe an earthquake and tsunami tore through Knossos, killing the inhabitants or sending them running to different islands for safety. However, many, I among them, believe invaders from other Greek islands, attacking from the sea, were the cause of the fall of the Minoan civilization. Not too long after the palaces and villages were destroyed was a new palace formed, on a smaller, less cultured scale. All writing shifted from literature or history to simple fare and trade, and eventually the rebuilding ceased completely. I believe that these new Greek invaders tried to rebuild Crete in its image, but eventually gave up, leaving the ruins of Knossos behind. It is still unknown, however, what truly destroyed such a progressive civilization. But the art, architecture and literature the Minoan people left behind will stay important to Greek history and the beginning of a new Mediterranean would forever.
World Literature
Metamorphosis
When Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin."
The opening sentence of The Metamorphosis is one of the most famous in all of literature. In a sense, it represents the climax of the novel; everything that takes place afterwards is in response to Gregor's transformation.
Begin by defining Metamorphosis. (the word metamorphosis?) Be sure to include all of its meanings.
Change, a transformation from a child to an adult, a change of form or nature, rebirth, transfiguration, evolution, mutation.
Next, respond to the following questions:
A. Is Gregor changed internally after his mutation? Initially, how does he respond to his condition? Is he willing to accept his transformation? Is he in denial of it? What does this reveal about Gregor's personality?
internally—inside his brain—Gregor Samsa remains Gregor Samsa. He still retains all his thoughts and memories and initially, he responds to his condition as though it is a delusion, from lack of sleep and overwork. He is in denial of it for barely a second after he realizes he has actually changed into a giant beatle. Eventually, he accepts his transformation, but without any other option, there is nothing else for him to do. But still despite being a giant bug, he still tries to get out of bed and get dressed so he can make it to work. I don’t know what that reveals about his personality. Persistance?
B. How does Gregor's relationship to his condition evolve? How does he change? What ugly emotions surface that were uncommon for him in his "normal" state?
Anger surfaces. He is jealous of his family and the roomers for that matter. His is envious of their eating and human form. His relationship with his condition goes from acceptance, waiting to get better and then an animelike hatred. He transforms into—internally—a spiteful, salty young man/ bug
C. By the end of the story, Gregor is ready to pay "the cost of simultaneously, rapidly, and totally forgetting his human past". How does he fight this resignation during the story? What emotions and longings keep him connected to life? (Be sure to say specific example.)
He climbs on to his picture of the woman with fur on the wall in the gilt frame and will not budge. He longs to eat, take with his family again, send his sister to the conservatory—that connects him to human life.
D. What realization overcomes Gregor at the moment of his death? Why is it that, despite his family's ill-treatment, he "thought back on (them) with deep emotion and love"?
He realizes his “conviction that he would have to disappear was even firmer than his sister’s”. He realizes he has to let his family go so they can move on. He thought back on them with love and deep emotion for how they acted towards him whilst he was human, and for the fact that he pitied them and was thankful for how—though slight—they, his sister mainly in the beginning of his change, attempted to treat such a gross monster as he, kindly.
E. Kafka was intent that the insect of his novel not be categorized. In other words, one cannot simply assume Gregor is a cockroach or beetle. However, he is definitely, as the novel says, "a vermin".
First, give a reason why Kafka wanted Gregor's insect-self undefined. How does it relate to the spirit of the novel? Next, choose a scene from the story and draw a picture of Gregor as you imagine him. Below the illustration, copy the passage it to depicts.
So the reader could imagine him. and it makes it seem more supernatural.
2. Rooms:
Nearly the entire novel takes place inside the Samsas' apartment, and most of the activity happens either in Gregor's room or in the living room. First, describe the apartment in detail, focusing on Gregor's room. What sort of furniture and art does he have? What pictures? What do his interior decorations reveal?
His room is relatively small. He has a desk, table with sales supplies upon it, a couch against a wall and picture of a woman in fur depicted above it. He has a bed, nightstand, lamp and alarm clock.
As the story unfolds, what becomes of Gregor's room? What takes place in his room? What do these changes signify about his own changes and the changes of the family?
Before Gregor is injured with the apple, he crawls around on the walls and ceiling for entertainment. When his sister Grete was still kind, she decided it would be a good idea to remove the furniture he could no longer put to use so he would have more room to crawl about. When Grete and his mother begin to remove the pieces of furniture, Gregor realizes this is him detaching himself from his old human life, so he crawls on to the wall and protects the picture from being moved. Grete and their mother removing the furniture signifies them removing him from their life. At, first, without realizing it, Gregor accepts it, but then he fights back.
Finally, discuss the symbolic qualities of a room. What are rooms? In what sense are rooms nonphysical?
3. Alienation in the Working World:
estrangment, seperation, not fitting in, not belonging, being somewhere everyone thinks you shouldn’t be.
Begin by looking up alienation. Explain the dictionary definitions and your own sense of the word. Next, respond to the following questions:
A. Before his mutation condemns him to a torturous death, Gregor is employed as a traveling salesman. Like thousands of others, Gregor is "condemned to work for a firm." Despite his modest success, he was, as Kafka tells us , "a tool of the boss."
Begin by explaining what happens when Gregor doesn't show up to work. What does this tell you about his situation and his perspective on work? To what degree does he identify himself with work?
As Gregor predicts, someone comes looking for him since he wasn’t at work when he was supposed to be. He seems to just be working to pay off his family debt. He’s only doing it for them/
Apart from his role in the working world, what do we know about Gregor? Why do we know so little? What events highlight Gregor's mercenary qualities? Is there evidence that Gregor is in conflict about his life situation?
Apart from his role in the working world, what do we know about Gregor? Why do we know so little? What events highlight Gregor's mercenary qualities? Is there evidence that Gregor is in conflict about his life situation?
He dislikes his job, but loves his family very much. He is devoted to them and misses them very much when he changes. We know so little of Gregor because, in my personal view, the story is more about his sister and parents dealing with him and knowing less about Gregor highlights more about his family. I believe he is I'm conflict because he wants to support and assist his family, but hates this way of doing it by being a "tool of the boss".
B. In what way is Gregor alienated from his family and from himself?
C. What about Mr. Samsa? How is he reduced to identification with work and money? After he begins working again, what "obstinate," bleakly humorous actions highlight this identification?
He refuses to remove his uniform during all hours of the day and stays at the table so long he falls asleep there. He is proud of working and supporting his family again, I believe
D. What about the Samsa household? How is their personal integrity intertwined with their economic situation? What actions take place that illustrate the subservience!
They are willing to work at whatever to stay afloat. His sister grete, even begins to learn French and broaden her knowledge
E. How is the Samsas' situation relevant in today's world? Is there a way to break free of the bondage of work and identification with career?
4. Relationship with Grete and Mr. Samsa:
The Two central relationships in the novel are between Gregor and his sister, Grete, and Gregor and his father, Mr. Samsa. Choose one of these relationships, and respond to the corresponding questions below.
A. Discuss the relationship between Gregor and his sister before and after the metamorphosis. How does Gregor regard her? How are his dreams tied to her?
He regards her very highly and thinks she is very talented and beatific and kind. He wished, before his metamorphosis to send her to the conservatory to learn more how to play the violin. After his metamorphosis, Gregor seems, if only mostly to regard to her the same way, but pity her a lot more. He is grateful for how he takes care of her in the beginning but begins to become a bit envious of her.
How does Grete respond to Gregor's misfortune? How do her actions to change? Why do they change? How is she transformed in the process?
She responds sadly, but helpfully. Her actions change from being out of pure kindness to becoming more possessive and almost almighty over helping her changed brother. They change because she is getting sick of taking care of someone who used to take care of her and feels burdenef. She transforms into an adult.
B. Discuss the relationship between Gregor and his father before and after the metamorphosis. Is there a bond between them? As the story unfolds, what insights do we get into their familial rolls?
I believe there to be a slim bond, but his father is grateful for Gregor.
How did Mr. Samsa respond to Gregor's misfortune? What does this reveal about their connection? How was Mr. Samsa transformed in the process? He responds cruelly of course at first. He is shock and scared as is everyone, but he comes to terms without, without ever really conecting with Gregor besides violently. It reveals there isn't much connection between the two, but mr. Samsa transforms into being a more kind a supportive soul /?
5. Gregor: Savior or Burden?
"… Gregor earned enough money to meet the expenses of the entire family and actually did so. They had just gotten used to it, the family as well as Gregor, the money was received with thanks and given with pleasure, but no special feeling or warm went with it anymore."
"Then all three of them left the apartment together, something they had not done in months, and took the trolley into the open country on the outskirts of the city."
"The car, in which they were the only passengers, was completely filled with warm sunshine. Leaning back comfortably in their seats, they discussed their prospects for the time to come, and it seemed on closer examination of these weren't bad at all."
Although Gregor's metamorphosis is tragic, many critics contend that the real metamorphosis occurs within the family, and that it's a positive one. Although they lose their source of income, their adversity renews them. In other words, Gregor wasn't the family's savior after all, but their burden. What do you think? Was Gregor a burden on the family before he became an insect? How do? Are they better off without him?
Do you disagree with this position? Was Gregor a victim of his family? Is the family's renewal a deception? Could they have achieved this without getting rid of Gregor?
Gregor was a burden on his family in the aspect that they could do nothing without him. They would starve without his income and him paying back their debts. But Gregor was also a victim of his family, too. By supporting them, traveling, and doing as they needed he was trapped in a never ending cycle until his metamorphosis stopped it in its tracks and ceased all he did to support his family, who I believe to be ungrateful. When Gregor changes, his family slowly begin to gain back their independence and in that way, they are better off without him, but surely, they could have achieved this by merely talking with him, all together as family and spreading out the responsibilities equal upon the children and even parents despite their age. I agree and disagree that Gregor was a burden upon his family. I believe more that Gregor's family was a burden upon him.
He dislikes his job, but loves his family very much. He is devoted to them and misses them very much when he changes. We know so little of Gregor because, in my personal view, the story is more about his sister and parents dealing with him and knowing less about Gregor highlights more about his family. I believe he is I'm conflict because he wants to support and assist his family, but hates this way of doing it by being a "tool of the boss".
B. In what way is Gregor alienated from his family and from himself?
C. What about Mr. Samsa? How is he reduced to identification with work and money? After he begins working again, what "obstinate," bleakly humorous actions highlight this identification?
He refuses to remove his uniform during all hours of the day and stays at the table so long he falls asleep there. He is proud of working and supporting his family again, I believe
D. What about the Samsa household? How is their personal integrity intertwined with their economic situation? What actions take place that illustrate the subservience!
They are willing to work at whatever to stay afloat. His sister grete, even begins to learn French and broaden her knowledge
E. How is the Samsas' situation relevant in today's world? Is there a way to break free of the bondage of work and identification with career?
4. Relationship with Grete and Mr. Samsa:
The Two central relationships in the novel are between Gregor and his sister, Grete, and Gregor and his father, Mr. Samsa. Choose one of these relationships, and respond to the corresponding questions below.
A. Discuss the relationship between Gregor and his sister before and after the metamorphosis. How does Gregor regard her? How are his dreams tied to her?
He regards her very highly and thinks she is very talented and beatific and kind. He wished, before his metamorphosis to send her to the conservatory to learn more how to play the violin. After his metamorphosis, Gregor seems, if only mostly to regard to her the same way, but pity her a lot more. He is grateful for how he takes care of her in the beginning but begins to become a bit envious of her.
How does Grete respond to Gregor's misfortune? How do her actions to change? Why do they change? How is she transformed in the process?
She responds sadly, but helpfully. Her actions change from being out of pure kindness to becoming more possessive and almost almighty over helping her changed brother. They change because she is getting sick of taking care of someone who used to take care of her and feels burdenef. She transforms into an adult.
B. Discuss the relationship between Gregor and his father before and after the metamorphosis. Is there a bond between them? As the story unfolds, what insights do we get into their familial rolls?
I believe there to be a slim bond, but his father is grateful for Gregor.
How did Mr. Samsa respond to Gregor's misfortune? What does this reveal about their connection? How was Mr. Samsa transformed in the process? He responds cruelly of course at first. He is shock and scared as is everyone, but he comes to terms without, without ever really conecting with Gregor besides violently. It reveals there isn't much connection between the two, but mr. Samsa transforms into being a more kind a supportive soul /?
5. Gregor: Savior or Burden?
"… Gregor earned enough money to meet the expenses of the entire family and actually did so. They had just gotten used to it, the family as well as Gregor, the money was received with thanks and given with pleasure, but no special feeling or warm went with it anymore."
"Then all three of them left the apartment together, something they had not done in months, and took the trolley into the open country on the outskirts of the city."
"The car, in which they were the only passengers, was completely filled with warm sunshine. Leaning back comfortably in their seats, they discussed their prospects for the time to come, and it seemed on closer examination of these weren't bad at all."
Although Gregor's metamorphosis is tragic, many critics contend that the real metamorphosis occurs within the family, and that it's a positive one. Although they lose their source of income, their adversity renews them. In other words, Gregor wasn't the family's savior after all, but their burden. What do you think? Was Gregor a burden on the family before he became an insect? How do? Are they better off without him?
Do you disagree with this position? Was Gregor a victim of his family? Is the family's renewal a deception? Could they have achieved this without getting rid of Gregor?
Gregor was a burden on his family in the aspect that they could do nothing without him. They would starve without his income and him paying back their debts. But Gregor was also a victim of his family, too. By supporting them, traveling, and doing as they needed he was trapped in a never ending cycle until his metamorphosis stopped it in its tracks and ceased all he did to support his family, who I believe to be ungrateful. When Gregor changes, his family slowly begin to gain back their independence and in that way, they are better off without him, but surely, they could have achieved this by merely talking with him, all together as family and spreading out the responsibilities equal upon the children and even parents despite their age. I agree and disagree that Gregor was a burden upon his family. I believe more that Gregor's family was a burden upon him.
Ramayana
1. Briefly discuss the history of the Ramayana, which you will find in the introduction. In what language was it originally composed? When was it written? Who's translation is RK Narayon using?
It is speculated that the tale of Rama first dates back to the fourth century B.C. It was originally comprised in sanskrit on about twenty four thousand stanzas and was later translated written down in the many other Indian languages and other languages of the world. RK Narayon uses a translation by Kamban who had originally written his own version of Ramayana in Tamil.
2. How does Dasaratha come to have four sons? How is Rishya Stinga convinced to leave his mountain hermitage?
He preforms a ritual/sacrifice to the gods with the help of his sage and the other sage Viswamithra for one full year. Rishya Sringa was enticed to leave his dwelling by beautiful women who guided him to Anga.
3. How does does the Dasaratha respond when Sage Viswamithra asks for Rama's help in slaying the demons at Sidhasrama? What does Sage Viswamithra advise the king in the situation? List some other stories in which an apprentice is taken off by a wise person.
He is in shock. He stills sees Rama as the child he is and isn't ready for him to leave the nest yet. The sage advices the king "you cannot count on the physical proximity of someone you love, all the time. A seed that sprouts at its parents tree is stunted until transplanted... ... every human being when the time comes has to depart and seek his fulfillment in his own way."
The hobbit,
4. Who is Thatska? How did she come to be in the desert, "left alone...breathing fire and wishing everything ill"?
Thatska is the daughter of Suketha and the wife of Sunda. She gave birth to two wicked, demigod sons and when they began to play pranks and harm others with the help of their father, they were all cursed, the husband falling dead. But Thatska was left alone in the desert seeking revenge.
5. Briefly recount the story of Mahabali and Vishnu as a dwarf. What lessons are to be learned from the story? Can you think of other tales that have a similar plot?
Mahabali while Vishnu was in meditation took control of the world from the gods and as a celebration invented all learned men to a gathering. The gods pleaded for Vishnu to assist them in regaining their kingdoms and he agreed, taking the form of a very small man. When Mahabali saw Vishnu in this form he knew instantly that this small men was of great genius. He offered him a gift and Vishnu said he would take land, measured by the strides of his small feet. Mahabali agreed and Vishnu transformed into a giant man and scaled the earth and heavens with minimal steps. He banished Mahabali to the Underworld and the gods ruled again.
Do not judge a book by its cover.
6. What is a Ahalya's story? What part does Rama play in it? How is this related to his role as Vishnu, the Preserver?
Brahma once created a beautiful woman. Indra was attracted to her instantly and was convinced, being the highest God, that he was worthy of her hand. But Brahma noticed Indra's conceit and ignored him, seeking out the Sage Gautama. She grew up in his company and when she became of age, the sage gave him back to Brahma. But Brahma appreciated the sage pure mind, absent of disturbing thoughts of her and told Gautama to marry her. Having lived with her husband from So young, Ahalya knew his needs and so accordingly was the perfect wife, but Indra's obsession never ceased. He stalked her at Gautama's dwelling. He learned the habits of the sage and one day while Gautama was taking his daily bath and prayers, Indra snuck into their home, dressed in the sage form, and raped Ahalya. When Gautama returned and saw what had happened, he cursed Indra to be covered in the female organ and turned his wife to stone until Rama walked past her sometime in the far future.
7. Briefly describe the city of Mithika. Do you think that such a place ever existed?
The city is full of people enjoying the business of life. Full of color, glittering and shining, Mithika is a beautiful place probably based upon a true city.
8. When they first set eyes on each other, Rama and Sita are strangers. However, they have "been together long ago". What is their true relationship?
Rama being Vishnu and Sita being the goddess Lakshmi, they were a married couple in their past lives.
9. How does Rama win Sita? What does this reveal about Rama? List some other stories in which the prince wins the princess buy some feat of bravery or prowess.
Rama wins Sita by taking up the monstrous bow her father possesses and stringing it. It being a gods bow, reveals his strength and godliness.
The little knife,
10. Describe the crowds on their way to the royal wedding. Highlight a few of the features that caught your attention.
The crowds are beyond happy and cheerful. And what catches my attention most is the feeling of love everyone seems to be under the spell of because of the wedding. The man trying to catch glimpses of the girl, carrying women instead of them riding horses--even couples who were fighting stay in close proximity. Brahmims even look greedily towards the other women on their way-- everyone seems to be completely intoxicated by the happiness and company that the wedding brings.
1. Early on in the book, we learn of Rama's true identity. He is Vishnu, the preserver, who is needed to restore justice and destroy the antagonist, Ravana. Begin a list of episodes when Rama brings justice and destroys evil. In each case, be sure to explain how justice is served.
By banishing Mareecha and killing Subahu, Rama, with some assistance from his brother, scared away all the other demons and so the sages were able to complete the sacrifice. Though sometimes, as in the case of the horse sacrifice or Mahabali's story, some try to take the reins from the gods ultimately ending in, as with Mahabali, banishment.
2. Rama is beloved by all, including Dasaratha, Sita, and the citizens of Ayodya. What qualities does he and embody that merit such devotion?
His attractiveness, Humility and wealth I think is what people so love about him.
3. The Ganga (or Ganges) is the most sacred river to Hindus. Knowing her story is essential to the devout. As Sage Viswamithra says, "We attain full understanding only when we are aware of the divine and other associations of every piece of ground we tread on."
How is it that the Ganga became such a source of purification? Why do the dying and the dead attain salvation when they contact the water of the Ganga? What are the great qualities of the hero of the myth, Bhagiratha? What can we learn from him?
Bhagiratha is a person of persistence. No matter how he is tossed between Shiva and Ganga, he will not stop until his ancestors are able to rest, even after praying for thirty thousand years and living on barely anything, he pushes on. The Ganga, full of herbs and riches from Himalayas and also from the heavens is holy and blessed.
4. What is the relationship between the gods and mortals in the story? How do humans appeal to gods for favors? Is there a hierarchy in the divine world, as well? Be sure to give examples to support your response.
The mortals look up to the gods and makes sacrifices and altars to ask for favors, etc. There is a hierarchy in the world of the gods, mostly desurned by power. Like indra is the most powerful God for sometime, but Brahma is the most powerful of all.
Korean IV
Dance III
Biology
PH TESTING
Biology
1:
species diversity as evenness or richness in a species.
genetic diversity as the amount of characteristics that make up different species.
ecosystem diversity as the number of different ecosystems on earth
2:
multicellular cells
3:
homeostasis is the upkeep of internal conditions. example: when inhuman body overheats, your body produces sweat to cool down.
4:
Natural selection removes the weaker animal of a species (for example) and so, only the stronger animals pass on their stronger genes and so leads to adaption.
5:
judge work, teach, etc
6:
an independent variable is changed by a scientist in an experiment independent variables are characterized as experimental data.
7:
you would use a TEM because it transmits electrons through a piece of the organism
8:
one poteinal benefit is being able to know if, in your genes, you may get a disease and also the benefit of using trangentic genes to cure certain illnesses. risks however include parents being able to pick certain genes for their children and the risk of genetically modified food’s effect upon humans and animals.
1:
this is my system of my morning routine. i get up, i brush my teeth, i brush my hair, i put on makeup, and i eat. // ruth
2:
it stays warm because of its fur and the black skin underneath the transparent fur reflecting more warm light.
