Ch 4: Ancient Literature for 9th Grade: Homework Help

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh

Witness the Epic of Gilgamesh, a story of adventure, love and friendship. This long poem will help us examine the hallmarks of civilization for a Sumerian and the importance of dreams. We'll also cover the Sumerian contributions to the epic form of literature.

2. The Iliad: Greek Epic

This lecture traces the history of Greek epics. It then examines the central themes of 'The Iliad': Xenia, Achilles' wrath, and his quest for immortality. The plot of 'The Iliad' is summarized and attention is drawn to themes from the Sumerian tradition.

3. The Odyssey: Greek Epic

This lecture provides a rough outline of the exploits of Odysseus in Homer's epic poem ''The Odyssey''. You'll learn plot details about this epic poem, in addition to hearing about how this important tale relates to Greek culture and literary works throughout history.

4. The Argonautica Plot Synopsis: The Myth of Jason and the Argonauts

This lesson offers a complete plot synopsis of 'The Argonautica' by Apollonius of Rhodes. Discover the main characters of this romantic twist of a classic Greek myth and learn the similarities between this and 'The Odyssey.'

5. The Aeneid by Virgil

This lesson explores Virgil's 'Aeneid'. It consists of a brief plot synopsis. We stop along the way to look at a few important scenes and offer analysis where necessary.

6. Greek Myth and Religion

This lecture examines the troubles of generalizing Greek religion, before doing just that. It lists the major Olympian gods and their roles. It then explores the function of heroes in Greek religion. Next, the relationship between gods and men is laid out. Finally, it explores aspects of Greek myth that reemerge in Christianity.

7. The Bible as Literary Influence: References and Allusion

In this lesson, we'll consider the ways that many writers were influenced by various aspects of the Bible, both in the past and the present. We'll look at the way the Bible influences the stories and languages of writers and some allusions that authors make to the Bible.

8. Circe of The Odyssey: Mythology, Overview

In this lesson we explore one of the minor goddesses of ancient Greek mythology, Circe. The goddess of magic and transformation, Circe plays her most pivotal role in Greek literature in Homer's 'Odyssey'.

9. History of Satire

In this lesson, learn about a very old and effective form of humor - satire. We'll trace the history of the often painfully funny genre of satire from before the Dark Ages all the way to the Information Age.

10. The Book of Genesis: Summary & Analysis

This lesson offers a brief survey of the Book of Genesis. Genesis is a part of the Hebrew Torah - the first five books of the Old Testament - and is filled with intriguing stories, some of which are meant to explain why the world is the way it is today.

11. Who Were Adam and Eve? - Story & Genealogy

In this lesson, we'll learn about Adam and Eve and the Biblical account of the way in which sin entered the world. It all boiled down to one man, one woman, and a crafty serpent.

12. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Summary, Translation & Quotes

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a Buddhist text written as a guide for those who have passed from this life. It is considered one of the most unusual texts of its type and is still studied by eastern religious philosophers today

13. Who was Jezebel? - Biblical Story, Characteristics & Death

Jezebel is an unsavory biblical figure found in the Book of Kings, infamous for her deception, trickery, and idolatry. Read this lesson to learn more about Jezebel and the significance of her gory death.