Question: The Midterm exam consists of five short answer questions (answerable in a sentence or two) and two brief essays (of 2-3 paragraphs). Provided below is a study guide that will help you prepare for the exam:
Short answer (the 5 short answer questions will be drawn from these 10)
1. What is one feature from Ovid's account of creation or the account found in Gilgamesh that we would never expect to find in Genesis? Why?
2. What is one major difference between Gilgamesh and Rama in their role as heroes?
3. The Introduction to Gilgamesh labels its hero when we first meet him as a "vicious tyrant": give one example of his tyrannical behavior.
4. What is at first surprising about Rama's reaction to his exile?
5. What is one thing that Socrates, Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Confucius had in common? Why does that matter?
6. Fill in the blanks and briefly discuss the significance of this contrast OR provide an example of the trait for each culture: "Homer contrasts the Greek ideal of rugged _______________ against the comparatively gentler _____________ of Troy."
7. What is one thing we learn from the meeting of Achilles and Priam?
8. What mixed emotions do we feel for the character of Medea?
9. What is one thing that sets Euripides' Medea apart from most tragic heroes or heroines?
10. What is one reason Athenian authorities felt threatened by the teachings of Socrates?
Short Essay (all 4 will appear on the exam day, and you will be asked to write on 2 of the topics: your choice)
1. In our study, we have encountered various heroes who epitomize the values of their respective societies. What about the opposing character type, the rebel figure who seems to oppose cultural norms? Think of such characters as Kaikeyi, Ravana, the early Enkidu, the sulking Achilles, Medea, and Socrates (there are others). Select one rebel figure and discuss the threat he or she poses to his or her society. How successful is his or her "rebellion"? What does that outcome tell us about the culture that is challenged by the rebel figure?
2. Other than Sita, who is the female character you found most admirable in our study so far? What do you find noble about her? Be sure to consider her character and / or actions in terms of what her culture most values.
3. Many of the ancient stories that we have read feature miracles, stupendous and supernatural events or activities that we would normally consider beyond the reach of mortals. Select one miracle from our readings that you found especially of note, and explain its purpose and what that miracle reveals about its culture.
4. Confucius said, "Learn as if you could not reach your object, and were always fearing also lest you should lose it." In what ways do modern American college students both embrace and reject this principle.