English 2111 critical response topics
Turn in critical responses either in hard copy or D2L, and be sure to exceed the 200 word minimum (in the body of the response, excluding name, date, header, etc.): responses shorter than 200 words will not pass. Avoid plot summary or straightforward retelling of "what happens" in the work—see nugget 1.
Format your response according to MLA guidelines for margins, spacing, name, date, headers, etc. as outlined on my "simple stuff" page. Works cited pages are unnecessary for critical responses. Even without works cited pages, though, do still follow the MLA conventions for documenting quotations as explained in Q1-4 on my quotations page.
1.3 Due Thursday, January 23rd: Address one, not both:
a) Compare the relationship between gods and humans, or the involvement of the gods in the lives of mortals, in Gilgamesh and Books 1, 5, and 6 of the Odyssey. Include at least three quotations from at least two different of the Odyssey's "books" to illustrate your claims (three total, not all from just one book). For the mechanics of citing verse in a multi-part (or -"book") poem, see Q4, and especially Q4mp.b) Discuss the cultural or personal qualities or ideals The Odyssey suggests were important to the Greeks in the time of Homer, including at least three quotations from different "books" to illustrate your claims. For the mechanics of citing verse in a multi-part (or "book") poem, see Q4, especially Q4mp.
On deck:
1.4 Due Thursday, January 28th: Explore the continuing development of Odysseus's character in Books 7-10 and 16, including at least one quotation from three separate "books" to support your observations. Basically, discuss leading traits or qualities in Odysseus demonstrates through his adventures in these books. For the mechanics of citing verse in a multi-part (or multi-"book") poem, see Q4, especially Q4mp.
Previous critical response topics—no longer valid for submission:
1.1 Due Tuesday, January 14th: Epics typically convey a variety of core ideals from the nation, culture, or people depicted in the work. Quoting Gilgamesh at least twice to illustrate your claims, explain what traits, qualities, or ideals the first seven tablets of this epic suggest were important to the ancient Babylonian society depicted in the poem. For the mechanics of citing poetry, see Q4mp.
1.2 Due Thursday, January 16th: If you had to pin down one theme as the central overriding "message" of Gilgamesh, what would this message be? Review the definition of "theme" on the elements of fiction page, and Identify the most important events or elements of the narrative that help the author deliver this message. Support your assertions with at least two quotations from the poem itself. For the mechanics of citing poetry, see Q4mp.