Power Corrupts

King James, possibly the most powerful man in the world in the time he lived. He was ruler of one of the most powerful nations. Being crowned king of England, James gained a new sense of self confidence in him. This is a good quality in leaders, to be sure of themselves and confident on their political positions. But this self confidence can so easily turn into arrogance which is never a good thing in any case. Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” This means that a man can live through any catastrophe and “suck it up”, but if you give a man power or money it will show his true colors. A humble person might not even accept the power or they might give it away to those who really need it. A greedy person will keep the money for him/herself and through that become arrogant and self centered, thinking themselves above the law and everyone else. He does not display much arrogance but in some cases he sets the laws aside. “What can have possessed James? Perhaps he was rattled by the presence of a thief in the midst of all this springtime hope and optimism? Maybe he assumed the English king, so much more powerful the Scottish, could from time to time behave with autocratic authority?”(p.14) In this case he might have been confused but it is an example of what he was capable of. I do not believe this was an act of superiority or arrogance, but a misunderstanding. This would be a huge problem if it were an act of this superiority, especially when found in a leader such as King James. With the amount of power and influence he has over the world he could either send it into chaos or bring it back to order. King James, at least so far in the reading, has not caused the world any pain. He gave to the poor and brought some prosperity to the world, but the longer you remain in that power the easier it is to be corrupted. It would be very difficult to escape from that temptation of power if you in his situation. He has many influences that can either send him to one side or the other. His wife and children, his advisors, his friends and allies, all could influence him to do things to of for the people that he might or might not have wanted from a king were he in their position.

Gods Secretaries

It seems to me that the King James Bible was a translation, commissioned by the king himself, of the Holy Bible. It was written and published not by one man but by a group of scholars, unknown to historians. We can infer who they were, but only that, we cannot know who they really were, not even their names. They fought with each other to determine the exact meaning of each verse, of each chapter, until coming to a decision all agreed upon. This translation is said to be “the greatest work in prose ever written in English.” “It is not the poetry of a single mind, not the effusion of a singular vision, nor even the product of a single moment, but the child of an entire culture stretching back to the great Jewish poets and storytellers of the Near Eastern Bronze Age.” The book was not written by those who manipulate the text for their own benefits, but in honesty and a simplicity that give power to it. It imposes an authority, order that people can follow and believe. This translation took time, years and generations to complete and finalize. It is said that this translation “dethroned the Pope, and enthroned the Bible.” This was a somewhat hard piece to comment on, but I believe this is what we are supposed to retrieve from the reading of the preface.

The Crack in the Wall-Bulfinch’s Mythology Assignment 9

When we have hope, for anything, and it is lost, it can devastate us into the opposite direction we were hoping to go. In the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, Pyramus is sent into a state of devastation, shock, and overwhelming sadness. Upon seeing Thisbe’s veil covered in blood, it was as if he had watched her die. When his hope had been lost he immediately took his own life. Thisbe seeing him dead took her own life. This shows how dangerous hope can be. If we hope for something and it comes true, we are overwhelmed with happiness yet when that hope dies we are overwhelmed with sadness that can bring harm to ourselves and others. Pyramus act was harmful to both him and the one he loved. They both died for nothing, because they thought their only salvation from their dreadful sad lives had been lost. These same stories can also be seen in Romeo of Juliet. Romeo believing Juliet dead kills himself, which in turn leads to Juliet’s demise. Hope can lead to both great things and terrible things. I may be wrong but this myth could be telling us that hope is alright but if you put everything into it with no way out it may lead to terrible consequences. These myths, although being hyperboles of reality, are all true. We see these things every day, in our lives, in other’s lives, in situations we may be in and if you just take a minute to think about them it may determine the outcome of that situation.

The Price of a Glance-Bulfinch’s Mythology Assignment 8

After all his labor and all his work that one glance cost him everything. He was so persistent and determined but his sloppiness and forgetfulness caused him to ruin all of his hard work. Told not to look back into the underworld at the price of losing Eurydice once again, in anxiousness he stole a glance and looked back toward the realm of Hades and Eurydice was taken away once again. He had a perfect easy chance to save his love from death and he ruined it with that glance. Many people in modern days have these opportunities laid out in front of them but throw it away because of their pride or ignorance or, like Orpheus, anxiety. For example, some people have parents who are very wealthy and lay opportunities in front of their children, but their children in pride and ignorance throw it away. They think themselves better than everybody else and ruin their lives. These stories tell us both what we should do but in many cases such as this, they tell us what not to do. I believe this is a very important message. The consequences of this could be minimal but they could also be catastrophic. People have opportunities others could never dream of and when it comes their time to actually step up to it they cower in fear. Orpheus did not cower in some fear of death but in his sloppiness he failed all the same. He did win her back the first time but the deal was made and Orpheus did not keep his part of it. I have a good successful life laid out in front of me, all I must to is step up and take hold of it, and that’s what I intend to do.

The Chariot of Fire-Bulfinch’s Mythology Assignment 7

Unheeding his own father’s advice, Phateon was struck down by the god of gods. Apollo warned his son many times of the dangers of driving the chariot of fire. “It is not honor but destruction you seek. Why do you hang around my neck and still entreat me? You shall have it if you persist -the oath is sworn and must be kept -but I beg you to choose more wisely.”(p.50) On certain occasions in which my father or mother give me advice or input I will ignore what they say. When I do this it usually ends up in disaster and when I do heed their advice, I come out of the situation unscathed and happy with the outcome. In modern day life it is seen as “cool” to ignore one's parents and instead be independent. This is an illusion that can lead to great consequences depending on the circumstances. This story is an example of what people, mainly children, should not do. If we follow Phaeton’s example we could get seriously hurt and the consequences could be disastrous. Sometimes I do realize the logic in my parents advice nut out of my own pride decide not to listen. My own idea being stupid leads me in the opposite direction I want to go.

Pre AP/AP Student Contract

I, Ethan Metzler, hereby understand and will abide by the Pre-AP/AP (Print your name)Academy’s expectations, obligations, and admission/drop policy outlined below with respect to my admission status and standing in the Pre-AP/AP Course, Pre AP English, The QUESTions.(Print the name of the Pre-AP/AP Course)Pre-AP/AP Academy Expectations;• Maintain Acceptable GPA,• Motivated and Positive,• Responsible and Dedicated Work Ethic,• Attend Opportunity Day and/or Additional Review Classes, • Complete AP College Board Exam,• Sign Pre-AP/AP Student Contract. Pre-AP/AP Academy Admission/Drop Policy;• First Progress Report with Teacher’s Signed Approval…receive no course credit,• End of First Semester with Teacher’s Signed Approval…receive only partial course credit for grade of 6.0+. No partial credit will be awarded for any grade below 6.0,• Students who Drop Pre-AP/AP Courses or who Do Not take the College Board AP Exam will have the Pre-AP/AP Designation for that course removed from their transcript and they will not receive any grade or GPA enhancement awarded for taking that Pre-AP/AP course.Please note that at any time during the school year if the teacher deems that you are not meeting the expectations above for any or all reasons, then that teacher will require that you sign an additional academic probation contract. Your admission status and/or removal from the above identified Pre-AP Course will then be re-assessed based on your abiding by the academic probation contract signed and agreed to by you and the respective Pre-AP/AP Teacher.Student Signature of Agreement, Ethan Metzler Date: September23, 2008

Respect and Honor Deserved-Bulfinch’s Mythology Assignment 6

In the myth of Hercules, the half god half mortal is tasked with twelve jobs, the “Twelve Labors of Hercules.” Each seemingly impossible to any man were easily conquered by the hero. Each task Hercules won victory, through his determination and discipline he vanquished the beasts set against him, unraveled the puzzles that would have baffled any other man. Hercules, I believe, was meant to be an example that we are meant to take after. Although everything he did was not perfect, he accomplished the tasks he was given, thoroughly and efficiently. Mankind is not perfect, everyone makes mistakes, but Hercules was always determined to finish the task. He did not complain or seek to avoid the tasks but instead took them on with good spirits and gained victory over all of them. Through these labors Hercules won the respect of many gods and thousands of men. He was on the brink of death but was redeemed by the gods, set in the stars, equal to a god. I saw a great similarity between Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk and Hercules. Both were part god, superior to man, yet they made errors that lead to their own demise. Hercules made many poor choices and decisions throughout the myth as did Gilgamesh. In a way both were self centered believing themselves immortal and realizing their mortality. In the end both gained honor and respect from the gods and from the people of the world. Both of their names live on today, through their acts and stories.

Temptation-Bulfinch’s Mythology Assignment 5

The story of Cupid and Psyche is yet another reflection of man, our nature. Unable to contain her curiosity she unveiled Cupid as being the “monster” and was stripped of her marriage. Her sisters tempted her with their words. “Psyche resisted these persuasions as well as she could but they did not fail to have their effect on her mind, and when her sisters were gone, their words and her own curiosity were too strong for her to resist.”(p. 104) They instilled suspicion and took away her faith in Cupid. Then again she opened the box which she was told to keep sealed under any circumstances. Temptation in both cases led to her own suffering. Mankind has always been susceptible to temptation and curiosity which always leads to our own defeat. Even in religious cases we are defeated by our own hand. In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve give in to temptation and their own temptation. They eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Mankind falls. “No! You will not die, the serpent said to the women. In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Then the women saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and ate it.”(Genesis 3:4) The serpent might represent our own temptation, the fruit our desire, and their act of eating it leads to our fall, the fall of man. It is easier to give in to sin than it is to throw it away. But to throw it away is still what we must do. If we give into our own desire and temptation it may do great harm to ourselves and other as Psyche caused her own suffering and that of Cupid.

The Cost of Flight-Bulfinch's Mythology Assignment 4

In the myth concerning the story of Daedelus and his son Icarus we can derive another human flaw and error. Daedelus and his son Icarus were trapped in a tower built by king Minos. Daedelus being somewhat of a genius pondered over a means of escape from the prison. Both the sea and land were well guarded and watched but the air was free. So he constructed two pairs of wings using; feathers big and small, wax and string, one pair for himself and the other for his son. They practiced and when it was time to escape Daedelus instructed his son not to fly to high because the sun’s heat would melt the wax, and not to fly to low because the water would dampen the feathers. They took flight and Icarus followed his father. But as they continued on their way Icarus gained more and more confidence. He soared much too high and the wax melted causing him to plummet towards the crashing waves. He was lost to the sea and the feathers floated above the water where he had fallen. Human nature is at times arrogant, when we gain too much confidence in ourselves; some are pressured to go further until a point where it can become dangerous. This myth teaches us to be mindful of our situation, and to be cautious of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Icarus was careless and died because of it. If we are careless it could easily lead to our death, although more probable, to an injury to ourselves or those around us. It is best to be catious and aware of the situations and circumstances that we find ourselves in so that we may keep ourselves safe as well as those around us.

The Reflection in the Water-Bulfinch's Mythology Assignment 3

Narcissus is a myth that is the perfect example of mankind. Narcissus, a youth whom Echo so desperately loved was only interested in himself, in his own personal gain, in his own image. So much that it resulted in his death. We are narcissistic, self centered and selfish. This story is a reflection of our own image, when mankind looks into the silver stream they see Narcissus, they see themselves. We concern ourselves with only ourselves and our self gain that we end up ignoring the important things that are calling out to us. We are so distracted by our own “beauty” that we miss certain opportunities and things that otherwise could have helped us. “He stooped down to drink, and saw his own image in the water; he thought it was some beautiful water spirit living in the fountain. He stood gazing with admiration,” (pg. 126) this is the kind of race we have “evolved” and turned into. So many of us are that youth, staring at our own reflection, ignoring other things, ignoring people and ignoring ideas. This myth is telling us that there is more to life than just us. There is nature, other people, ideas, a whole world of opportunities that we may pursue. Narcissus missed his chance and died because of it; I’m not saying we will all die but I know it will not end well.

Arrogance Leads to Downfall- Bulfinch’s Mythology Assignment 2

In the story of Bellerophon and the Chimera, I learned of yet another lesson. The message could be interpreted in several ways and different people might have different perspectives. Again we cannot take these stories literally. In the city of Lycia, king Iobates is devastated by a great monster. The Chimera is a great monster with the head of a lion and a tale like a snake and a goat in the middle, fire bursting from its mouth, destroying the city. He is desperate for a hero, someone to vanquish the evil. His son in law then sends someone who fits the picture. Bellerophon comes to the city and requests a chance to defeat the Chimera. The king’s son in law also sent with Bellerophon a letter giving recommendations for Bellerophon as a great hero. The letter also proposed that the king kill Bellerophon after he was used. Now whenever someone is in possession of a message that contains something life threatening to them. So the king planned to use Bellerophon to destroy the Chimera and then kill his guest. This is a characteristic that many humans have. Most people take advantage others and then throw them away. So Bellerophon tamed the winged horse Pegasus and gained a victory over the monster. The king threw all the dangers he had at Bellerophon but he conquered them all with ease. “The hero was a special favorite of the gods.” But soon he became arrogant and thought he could fly into heaven with his great horse. Zues was greatly angered by Bellerophon’s arrogance so he sent a gadfly to bite Pegasus who threw down his rider. Bellerophon roamed for the rest of his life lame and blind. His arrogance led to his downfall. He was ungrateful for his abilities and gifts. The story teaches us to be humble and thankful for what we have or it may lead to a bad end.

The Tales of Gods- Belfinch’s Mythology Assignment 1

Each and every one of these tales had a message written beneath. We obviously cannot take these stories literally, but we can analyze them and find their deeper meaning. For example I found that when Prometheus gave fire to man and Pandora opened the box with all the evil, “Prometheus, who, with the aid of Minerva, went up to heaven, and lighted his torch at the chariot of the sun, and brought down fire to man”, “Pandora was seized with an eager curiosity to know what this jar contained; and one day she slipped off the cover and looked in. Forthwith there escaped a multitude of plagues for hapless man,—such as gout, rheumatism, and colic for his body, and envy, spite, and revenge for his mind.” These represented the fall of man, our descent into evil and sin. It may also represent that all our actions have consequences. These stories should be learned and interpreted well, lest we perceive their messages poorly.
The story of Apollo and Daphne was also written for the hidden message. Apollo insulted Cupid and therefore was cursed. He was struck with the arrow of love and Daphne the opposite, this forced Apollo to forever chase after Daphne which eventually led of her death. “He took his stand on a rock of Parnassus, and drew from his quiver two arrows of different workmanship, one to excite love, the other to repel it.”
The story of Midas tells us to be careful what you wish for, it might turn around into something you didn’t expect or something terrible. He wished that everything he touched would turn to gold, and when he tried to eat it became gold, when he touched his daughter she turned to gold. He believed it was a blessing but it turned into a curse. “Then he found to his dismay that whether he touched bread, it hardened in his hand; or put a morsel to his lips, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his throat like melted gold.”
The Sphinx was a telling of a man Oedipus, also known as Oedipus Rex. His father was told that his son would kill him when he grew into an adult so the king gave the task of killing his son to a farmer. The farmer left him to die and instead of doing so a poor man found him. One day, when Oedipus was older he unknowingly encountered his father. He refused to stand aside for the king, his father; this led to a fight and eventually the king’s death. The king’s unwillingness to do the job himself was his own demise.
The fifth story I read was that of Perseus and Medusa. Medusa was once a beautiful maiden but in her own arrogance she was turned into a monster. She insulted Minerva and then had her beauty turned into horror. “She was once a beautiful maiden whose hair was her chief glory, but as she dared to vie in beauty with Minerva, the goddess deprived her of her charms and changed her beautiful ringlets into hissing serpents.”
The final story of Orion, the hunter, I believe attempted to tell us of jealousy. All mankind feels jealousy or envy at one time or another. Apollo was so jealous of Orion he caused Diana to accidentally murder Orion. “One day, observing Orion wading through the sea with his head just above the water, Apollo pointed it out to his sister and maintained that she could not hit that black thing on the sea. The archer-goddess discharged a shaft with fatal aim.”
Each and every one of these tales has a message or lesson that we can learn from. All are human defects that we all experience, these stories teach us about them so that we might be able to avoid them from time to time.

Not the Way he Planned- Tablets X and XI

Man has not always been corrupted, evil, and sinful; man once was innocent and good. Gilgamesh is not good or innocent; he is evil, sinful, corrupted. He makes mistakes that cost him dearly. We are Gilgamesh. No man can say they are innocent, they are without flaw. We all sin; we are all corrupted by society. Once we were innocent as Enkidu in the wild, but now we are guilty. Even so we can do good things every once in a while, we can have good intentions, kind thoughts and actions. Gilgamesh could also do such things "Urshanabi, this plant is a plant against decay! By which a man can attain his survival. I will bring it to Uruk-Haven, and have an old man eat the plant” He names the plant “The old man is young again”. Before thinking of him he thinks of others, he was not corrupted at this moment, he was not selfish, he was good and he thought of the old man first. I believe man can once again become good, have kind thoughts and actions. We do not need to be always selfish. The sinful, evil way is easier than the good way; all we have to do is try just a little harder than we have been and we might achieve it. Everyone has the capacity to be good, some just lack the motivation and confidence. Gilgamesh achieved his goal, not the way he had planned it, but his strife was not in vain. He achieved his immortality in a way, he lives on today through the stone tablets he wrote, through his legacy, and his story he lives on. So to can we achieve our goals.

Nature and Mankind

Gilgamesh is a story that presents a man’s life, his quests, and his search for immortality. In the epic a man named Enkidu is presented. He is the foil of Gilgamesh. Enkidu is born and lives in the wild. He roams with the animals, drinks where they drink, hunts where they hunt. Enkidu himself is like an animal. In the story Enkidu represents the “Leavers” as told in the book Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, and Gilgamesh represents the “Takers”. Enkidu also represents mankind in its creation, born in the wild, in nature. The “gods” created mankind as a part of nature not as something that destroys nature, but in the Epic of Gilgamesh mankind is doing exactly that, cutting down the cedar forests, killing nature itself. But man, although he may not realize it, depends on nature just as nature depends on man. We provide gases for the trees and they give us air to breath, animals provide us with food and we provide shelter and a home for some of them. If we were to destroy all of nature we would be destroying ourselves in the process. At one time we were Enkidu, innocent as animals, without knowing good or bad. Some refer to this characteristic as being the “noble savage”, almost superior to evolved humans because of their innocence. But as we evolved we became as Gilgamesh; corrupted, selfish, arrogant, and prideful. We destroy the places we used to call home and by doing so we destroy ourselves.

The Faraway-Gilgamesh Tablets X and XI

As Gilgamesh reaches the land over the Mashu Mountains he encounters an old woman in her house on the beach. She counsels him to turn back, this woman could be a metaphor of doubt, keeping us from striving on, from continuing, but Gilgamesh ignored it and searched for the ferryman. The ferryman was the only one able to cross the great sea and the ocean of death, Gilgamesh built a boat to travel it without being harmed. He persisted until he encountered his ancestor. Gilgamesh questioned “the Faraway”, who advised Gilgamesh not to be foolish. The part of us that is careful and attentive, ever watchful for danger, for sin, for evil. Utnapishtim then told him of his own story, what had befallen him. He told him of “the Flood” and the god’s desire to wipe out man kind for the greater good. And like all stories of “the flood” his involved one man being spared. In this case Ea spares Utnapishtim. We sinned and sinned until soon it became unbearable for the gods. They wipe us all out and begin anew, correcting the flaw and perfecting us. But again we fall into sin and the cycle continues. Enlil had not planned for one to be spared but it was the “all knowing” Ea that decided it was the right choice. Should we be spared, or are we just naturally evil and should we be destroyed? Are we worth saving; are there good people in the world truly attempting to make a difference to save it? How can we know? It is above us, and up to the “gods” to decide whether or not we should live or die.

The Search for Immortality-Tablets 8 and 9

As Enkidu closed his eyes for the last time Gilgamesh mourned, all of Uruk mourned for days on end, they honored him in every way. At the funeral ceremony Gilgamesh spoke to and of the great man. Of his feats, his personality, his epic. This is symbolic for any passing hero, all the people the hero had protected mourn. If a lowly man who worked in the field would have died there would have been nothing but a small funeral including only his close family. But a hero, a giant passing on, is an event in which all the people of the city or village or even country would mourn. As Gilgamesh mourned he questioned his fate. “I am going to die!--am I not like Enkidu?!”, why had he been spared and innocent Enkidu sentenced to death. This got Gilgamesh thinking, was there a way to be exempt from every mortal man’s fate. Could he be exempt from death? There began his search for immortality, to escape human weakness, escape the bonds that restrain us. He traveled far and wide to seek his ancestor and ask him of a way to attain immortality. He wanted to know all and be apart from the rest of mankind. Dangers around every corner confronted him and yet he kept on, persistent and strong he surpassed even the most dangerous threats the great mashu mountains threw at him. After all he is “two thirds a god”.

A New World

Hero Epic- First Draft

My hero epic takes place in the colonization of America and the war against the Indians. The chief’s sun and hero of the story is Redskin is tasked with the job of rallying all neighboring clans to the aid of his father, the chief of the Cherokee clan. At first he is eager to do battle with the invaders but as the story develops he realizes the time of his people is coming to an end and a new world is coming.

Values:
1.Courage
2. Honor
3. Respect
4. Persistence
5. Responsibility
6. Faith
7. Loyalty

Comas 3

1. The problems involved in this operation are, I think, numerous.

2. Celene,who does not usually tell anyone what she feels, said she didn't want to go to the dance.

3. To get tickets for some Broadway musicals, one has to order three months in advance.

4. Listening to the radio, Jun heard an announcement that Spangler, his own dog, was lost.

5. I used to live at 16689 Sutton Avenue, Milpitas, California, but we have since moved to 1895 Holland Way, Dubuque, Iowa.

6. The Valley of the Moon, the name of a section in Napa County, California, is the heart of the state's wine producing area.

7. Chris did not see how he could organize, write, and proofread this paper in only two hours.

8. By the pilings of the old pier, I found four starfish, a clam, and a sea anemone.

9. Yes, Helen did mention that all three of you were coming for lunch.

10. I believe, therefore, that fraternities are good influences on a college campus.

Comas 2

Choose the correctly punctuated versions of the phrases or clauses from the drop down lists in order to complete the sentences below.

1. There was no question that John's painting, a huge, colorful, and ugly mural, was the worst entry in the art exhibit.

2. Werner von Braun, Willy Ley, and Edward Teller, noted authorities in the field of rocket development, have done much to guide the missile program of the United States.

3. Mr. Cready's ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time is, I believe, amazing.

4. Running around the house, the dog was abruptly stopped by a fence.

5. If the opposition should win,our candidate would never have any political future.

6. Gracefully, lightly, and daintily, the ballerina moved across the stage.

7. Glamour, the woman's fashion magazine, recently incorporated with Charm , another fashion journal.

8. Joe was born on May 7, 1955, and his best friend was born exactly two months later on July 7, 1955.

9. Mr. and Mrs. Kwon ,my parents' best friends, sat in front of us at the football game.

10. November 11, 1918, the armistice ending World War I was signed.

Comas 3

Add commas as needed in the sentences below. On the line to the left of each sentence, write the number of the appropriate comma rule. If the sentence is correct as it is, write C on the line and refer to the appropriate rule in parentheses after the sentence. You may wish to review our handout on Using Commas
__c__ He left the scene of the accident and tried to forget that it had happened.

__3__ Oil, which is lighter than water, rises to the surface.

__6__ Madame de Stael was an attractive, gracious lady.

__1__ Nice is a word with many meanings, and some of them are contradictory.

__c__ The contractor testified that the house was completed and that the work had been done properly.
__c__ Some people refuse to go to the zoo because of pity for creatures that must live in small cages.
__c___ Taxicabs that are dirty are illegal in some cities.

__5__ The closet contained worn clothes, old shoes, and dirty hats.

__c__ The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.

__2__ After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved.

__3__ Mark Twain's early novels, I believe, stand the test of time.

__9__ December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten.

__7__ The field was safe enough, wasn't it?

__9__ Write the editor of the Atlantic 8 Arlington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

_10__ He replied, "I have no idea what you mean."

__2__ After a good washing and grooming, the pup looked like a new dog.

__2__ Because of their opposition to institutions that force creatures to live in captivity, some
people refuse to go to the zoo.

__c__ Men who are bald are frequently the ones who are the most authoritative on the subject
of baldness.

__3__ Vests, which were once popular, have been out of vogue for several years.

__2__ As a celestial goddess, she regulated the course of the heavenly bodies and controlled the
alternating seasons.

__c__ I hope that some day he will learn how to be polite.

Building up Enkidu

“He is the mightiest in the land, his strength is as mighty as the meteorite”
“You are beautiful, Enkidu, you are become like a god.”
"How the youth resembles Gilgamesh-- tall in stature, towering up to the battlements over the wall!”
“he has seen fighting, has experienced battle. Enkidu will protect the friend, will keep the comrade safe.”
From these quotes I have derived several words that I believe describe Enkidu.

1. Strong
2. Mighty
3. Beautiful
4. Youthful
5. Tall
6. Loyal

Writers Workshop Excercises 2 and 3

1. How can a person find patriotism in a local night club? Well, it did not take me too long. About four weeks ago in a little night club in Louisville, Kentucky, a couple of my friends, Rick and Lon, the duo who were providing the entertainment that night for the club, starting with a patriotic song about America.

2. For the past twenty years, the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan, has been measuring the level of Americans' trust and confidence in their politicians, quasi-political trust, and confidence in their political institutions and their leaders. "Political" being all levels of government, and "quasi-political" churches, labor unions, large professional/business associations, educational institutions, and the like. The result is that a very sharp decline has taken place every year since 1964.
3. For 200 years Americans believed in better jobs, better homes, a better life for one's children. This confidence no longer exists. Polls now indicate that fewer Americans who feel they are better off today than they were five years ago. A public-opinion analysis group has found that large numbers of Americans, at some times and in some places, see themselves as lower on the ladder. Adding worse living conditions and anticipation of further decline over the next five years. (dependent clause)
For 200 years Americans believed in better jobs, better homes, and a better life for one's children. This confidence no longer exists. Polls now indicate that fewer Americans feel they are better off today than they were five years ago. A public-opinion analysis group has found that large numbers of Americans, at some times and in some places, see themselves as lower on the ladder with worse living conditions and anticipation of further decline over the next five years.

4. Well, in looking at the picture at the left you see an old lady. She has a very funny look on her face, as if she's lonely and just wants to be left alone. She also looks as if she has seen a lot and experienced lots of things.

5. A president is an appointed leader, someone who is a decision maker in the executive branch of our government. This doesn't necessarily mean that the person the people elect is capable. It just hopefully assumes according to his past record as a politician, over the years' buildup of experience and handling situations.
6. My brother was always my best friend when I was a child, especially as we two were almost alone in the world, we lived with our old grandmother in a little house, almost a shack, in the country. Whenever I think of him now I see a solemn, responsible boy, a boy too old for his years who looked out for me no matter what. Once there was a bully, John Anson, who looked enormous to me though he was probably an average twelve-year-old. John had it in for me because he liked Littice Grant, who liked me. He decided to beat me up right before her eyes, I was lucky my brother came by. He didn't interfere any, he just stood there. Somehow though his presence gave me confidence. I licked the stuffing out of John Anson. If my brother hadn't been there, I don't think I could have done it.

Fated to Die- Gilgamesh tablets 6 and 7

Tablet six is also crucial to the development of the story. Gilgamesh upon changing into his royal garments encounters Ishtar who wishes to be his wife. He denies her and that act of defiance is the catalyst of his demise as well as his companion’s. She goes into a rage and sends her monster against him with the consequence of a seven year drought in Uruk. This was a selfish act solely to enact her revenge upon the king. But once again the companions triumph over her evil. They return home to Uruk and are praised for their victories. The people love them for the good they have done for them. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are the heroes to the people of Uruk. I believe a hero is a person who takes the initiative to do what is right. In this case it is the companions. "Who is the bravest of the men? Who is the boldest of the males! Gilgamesh is the bravest of the men, the boldest of the males!” But upon return to the kingdom the gods hold council to decide what may become of the companions, Enlil wishing them dead and Shamash wishing that they be kept safe. Then Enkidu falls ill and laid in his bed for ten days. He has dreams of a man who would take him from the land of the living take him from Gilgamesh and all he loved and take him to the land of the dead. “There appeared a man of dark visage-- his face resembled the Anzu, his hands were the paws of a lion, his nails the talons of an eagle! -- he seized me by my hair and overpowered me.” In the dream Enkidu has, he describes death; the man who overpowers him and takes him to the land of the dead. His fate is sealed by the Gods and he has no power over them. He knows what is coming for him and although he may do everything humanly possible to change his fate, it comes closer and closer. I believe fate is the idea that this story is based upon. Enkidu is fated to die.

The Giant Slain-Gilgamesh tablets 4 and 5

These tablets are of great significance to the story as we read further on. In the beginning of tablet four Enkidu and Gilgamesh embark on a journey to slay the giant monster Humbaba. Gilgamesh sets out explaining to his mother and the council that he will fight many unusual enemies, things he has never fought before. “He will face fighting as he has not known, and will travel on a road that he does not know!” I believe that these enemies and fightin are not like the physical fighting we are used to. They say he does not know suck fightin and Gilgamesh has fought other men and people. Therefore it makes sense that they are referring to an enemy that is not a man or beast. I believe they speak of death, plague, famine, sin, hunger, evil itself. And when the two companions arrive at the cedar forest and prepare to battle Humbaba they know swords and physical strength will have no affect on the evil thing. “Humbaba's roar is a Flood; his mouth is Fire, his breath Death! He can hear any rustling in his forest 100 leagues away! Who would go down into his forest! Who among even the Igigi gods can confront him?In order to keep the Cedar safe, Enlil assigned him as a terror to human beings." These are examples of a foe unlike anything we know. How can we triumph over all these things these powers that surpass our own. But Enkidu and Gilgamesh defeated Humbaba, they destroyed him and when he pleaded for his life Gilgamesh did what Humbaba would have done in his position. He finished the evil off, once and for all.