Topics for Paper 2: Epic of Gilgamesh, Genesis, Antigone

Some suggestions of how to write formal papers:

• Do not retell events of the story. Retelling is a sure means of getting a C or less.
• Instead, in making your argument, use close textual evidence in the form of quotes or by alluding to specific events etc. Make sure that you provide an analysis of these bits of evidence, that means, make it clear to the reader what you want this textual evidence "to do."
• Remember that your quotes need to be referenced (page number, line number) and it needs to be clear who the speaker is.
• Avoid using clichés and colloquial language.

Checklist

1. State clearly which question you are writing on by copying the question at the beginning of your paper. (Not doing so will result in a 5% penalty for your paper grade!)

2. Some of the topics are complex. Make sure you clearly understand the question before you write your essay.

3. Do you have a thesis statement that provides an answer to the question you chose? Remember that just rephrasing the question is not a thesis statement. If it helps, use such phrases as "In this paper I will show ..."

4. Is your thesis statement clear?

5. Are your supporting paragraphs starting with a topical sentence?

6. Does the body of your paper develop your thesis statement? Make sure you stay on track.

7. Do the elements of your argument really support the thesis?

8. End your essay by saying something interesting. Do not just make a generalizing statement that diludes the impact of your argument. Try to provide a brief but complex answer to the topic and question you chose.

9. Put your name on the first page of your essay, including section number and date. Do not use a separate front page.

10. Double-space your paper, so that there is room for comments.

11. Include page numbers on each page.

12. Remember that the essay should be about 3 pages long, about 900 words. Shorter essays will be penalized.

13. Font size should be between 10-12

14. Always proof read your paper before you turn it in. Let it "sit" for a night before you proofread it again.

15. Some Common Mistakes:

o Use active voice ("she told me to sing") rather than passive voice ("I was told to sing by her") in describing a character's actions

o Watch out for subject, verb, and tense agreement (not: one does what they think is good)

o Do not write there when you mean their, or it's when you mean its

o Make sure your sentences are complete.

o Use the Writing Center if you assume they could help you producing a better paper.

Submit your Paper to Turnitin.com

Class id – 1365319 password section28

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Topics

1) Compare and contrast the role of women in The Epic of Gilgamesh with their position and capabilities in Genesis.

2) Compare the story of the emergence of human consciousness in The Epic of Gilgamesh with that in Genesis. What are similarities and differences in both accounts? Where is the emphasis placed in both accounts?

5) Is Antigone a feminist heroine who dares to stand up against a male ruler? Or is she rather, in her willingness to sacrifice herself for her brother's funeral, a religious fanatic and victim of male repression?

6) What does Antigone’s sacrifice have in common with Abraham’s? How does it differ? When does self sacrifice become suicide, when does sacrificing someone turn into killing?

7) Imagine Creon would have to stand trial after being dethroned for disregarding the divine and family law, and you were hired as his defense lawyer. How would you justify his actions and motivations? Note: Revisit the Introduction to Antigone, which entails important background that will help you to situate this question.

8) Assess Creon's character by juxtaposing political considerations with religious considerations. Is Creon a tyrant, who puts his own control for power above everyone else, or is he just doing what is best for the state?