Essay #1 – Human Strife & Suffering
One of the questions many great myths answer is, Why is there strife and suffering in the world? This assignment asks you to explore suffering in an Ancient Greek story (as described in Hesiod’s “Creation of Pandora,” pages 41-44) and in the Judeo-Christian creation story (as expressed in the Book of Genesis, chapter 3, pages 61-63).
This essay requires a close textual reading and interpretation of these stories. In simpler words, it asks you to read and pay close attention to details of a portion of each text so as to interpret its meaning intelligently and develop critical thinking. While you may refer to any part of the stories, focus your attention on the portion of each text indicated.
Assignment: Write an essay in which you interpret and explain how the two stories address issues of human strife and suffering, following the instructions below. Your interpretation is valued, as long as you support your ideas with evidence from the texts.
This essay is intended to consist of your interpretation. You do not need to include someone else’s ideas, though if you do use other sources, be sure to cite them, using MLA style–i.e., intext parenthetical citations (Thury 34) and a list of “Works Cited”. If you are only using our textbook (my preference), no Words Cited page is necessary. College essays should have meaty paragaphs filled with arguments and evidence.
The essay should include a minimum of 6 paragraphs with this general format:
Paragraph 1… Introduction—draw the reader into the topic, include titles and authors (if known), and end with a clear thesis statement that gives readers a specific idea of where the essay is headed
Par 2… Analyze Hesiod’s ideas on Good Strife in his Works and Days, verses 12-28 (page 42 in textbook). Strife can be defined as “conflict” or “struggle.” According to Hesiod, who/what is Good Strife? (Consider the possibility that, although she is presented as a goddess, Good Strife may be a metaphor.) Based on the text, how can good come from strife? Explain one or two specific examples which Hesiod provides. How might Strife be advantageous not only for individuals but also for society (an important concept to ancient Greeks)?
Par 3… Analyze the causes and consequences of suffering in Hesiod’s story of Pandora, verses 62-110 (pages 43-44). Is the story simply an expression of ancient Greek misogyny (ingrained prejudice against, or even hatred of, women) or is it more? Can Pandora even be blamed for suffering? Does she release the world’s ills with evil intent? If not her, what is the source of suffering? What does your interpretation reveal about the gods and humans?
Par 4… Analyze suffering in Genesis, Chapter 3, often titled “The Fall of Man” (pages 61-63). How does this chapter account for suffering in the world? Is it the result of human behavior, of an outside source (the serpent?), of God, of all of these or of something else entirely? What role do free will and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil play? Does your interpretation of the serpent, the tree, and the narrative itself tend toward a literal or metaphoric reading? Why? As much as possible, support your answer with evidence from the text.
Par 5… Depending on your interpretation, what does Genesis 3 reveal about the nature and role of God and of humans? What spiritual truths does the chapter convey to modern readers? How can this ancient and revered narrative help us understand and face our own personal strife and suffering?
Par 6… Conclusion—without beginning with elementary “In conclusion,” “In summary,” “to sum up,” or the like—and without summarizing everything you just said—wrap up your essay with insights that push the reader beyond what was already stated. What do YOU conclude from your close reading of these texts and why are these ideas important (or not)?
Helpful Hints:
The purpose of a thesis is to give the reader a clear indication of the essay’s purpose and direction. The thesis statement should be a clear and assertive expression of the specific argument you are making, usually the final sentence of the intro. (Don’t write, “My essay is about…”)
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|