AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: The Ottoman Empire (Dr. Steve Rosenthal)

Turkey, Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire are my favorite topics of history and geographical location and culture.  Istanbul is a city so full of culture that has been built upon for 1000s of years.  The reign of the Ottoman Empire brought commerce, trade and diversity to this city.  In the reading for today I found it interesting about the slave children from the Balkans.  I know that Greece holds hatred against Turkey and this is probably one of the many reasons they do.  I think its odd that the Ottoman empire took children from the Balkans and converted and educated them.  They made these children turkish and then made them slaves to the rich.  The rich also were not binded by the laws and taxes the citizens of their empire were left to.  Such corruption aided to the insecure government and financial situation of the empire.  With corruption like this an empire will not be able to grow any further than its lowest class can support and keep up with.

Question: What is the status of Turkey and the EU, is the country close to becoming apart of the union?    

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: The Decameron - Day Two

On the Fifth Day, Story Eight there is the interesting tale of Nastagio and the woman he is in love with.  This story ties in the theme of masculinity.  Im many stories we have read, the man is in a position of power.  This power is reached by the time period's emphasis on male dominance, role in society, wealth and social stature.  Nastagio is a man of all these things, especially wealth.  He cannot convince this woman to marry him, but finally uses the cursed visions of a knight slaying his dead wife in the forest.  This scene is gruesome and terrifying, how he succeeds in making this girl fall in love with him instead of running in fear shocks me.  This story, unlike some of the other ones in the Decameron incorporates mythology and the idea of hell.  Its a scary and unique story that shocked many readers.

I like how the Decameron bluntly brings up cheating in almost all its stories.  It ranges from wives cheating on husbands, husbands in love with men, men sleeping with many many girls, the list goes on!  The stories take on these topics in a comedic or horrific way.  This theme is different from our past readings.  In past readings such as Genesis or The Odyssey marriage and women are respected.  If there was cheating it would not have been written in these ancient texts.  The Decameron challenges all past writings and theories about social interaction.  It emphasizes the unspoken truth about many marriages and relationships during this time period.    

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: The Decameron - Day One

The First Day First Story tells the tale of Ser Ciappelletto and his wicked actions.  The main topics we have studied about this region are love and religion.  This story incorporates the view of religion.  This was a very interesting view of religion; usually the texts have a very conservative view on religion and do not challenge it.  This text explains how Ciappelletto is wicked and sins everyday and does not practice or respect religion.  He has no friends, but accomplishes his work so he has respect.  He becomes ill while on a job and I thought he stayed the same wicked man.  He asks for a priest so he may confess his sins.  While confessing I thought he had been lying, because earlier in the text it described his actions as being very wicked.  While confessing he did not tell the priest anything very wicked.  However, at the end of the story he has reached heaven because he became pure at the end of his time.

I think this is ridiculous and that the effect of religion at this time is influencing the book showing common people that if you believe in God you will be saved no matter what.  I think this is a very unique take on religion compared to the other stories we have read.  

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Travel Literature (Dr. Amanda Walling)

The story of Margery Kempe was an interesting one.  She seemed like a very strong woman; traveling on her own from England to Jerusalem with help from men at some points.  During this time period it is a very strong and wild story.  Women did not hold jobs during this period let alone travel from Europe to the Middle East.  Margery has a story of inspiration, but once she becomes enlightened her life seems to decay.  She communicates with Jesus, Mary and God himself throughout the tales of her travels and they promise to protect her.  Her arrival in Jerusalem and her communion on the holy site of Mount of Calvary are very important.  She might be the first woman to experience something like this and she creates herself in the image of God.  Her journey shows in the importance of women in religion is just as magnified as man's role.  Her journey reminds me of Joan of Arc who relayed God's message to the French and led them to victory.

After Margery Kempe communicates with celestial beings she seems to become overwhelmed she sobs everyday.  How the story unfolds it seems that these 'sobbings' are a gift from Jesus, but I don't see how this is a gift.  Kempe has been forgiven of her sins so her further travels into Rome and Venice are continuations of enlightenment.  She has God guiding and protecting her so she has little fear.  She encounters many people and cultures along her journey and they aid her on her return back home.    

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Book of Good Love (Libro de buen amor) - DAY TWO

All of these tales and fables from The Book of Good Love interpret themes society has about love into stories that incorporates animals, gods and people.  Stanza 189 begins the fable of the 'reckless lad' who wishes to marry three women.  He marries one women and tells her this plan, but he tests his love by his strength to stop the mill stone.  His physical strength can no longer stop the mill stone once he is married, but he falls deeply in love with his first wife and never marries a second one.  The message of love here is that love is a different and unique strength, not comparable to any other strength.  All of these stories ask the reader to think about love in different context.  Relate love to different emotions and human strengths.

The story of the frog and mole tests the truth of love.  That love is something to be grown, developed and trusted.  The frog tells the mole she loves him and will save him from the watery depths, but this love is false, short and fake.  The frog uses the concept of naive love to trick the mole into drowning, but they both end up dying in end.

My favorite fable was at stanza 226.  This was the fable of the mastiff that was selfish and thought he could get two pieces of meat.  The second piece was only a reflection and when attempted to grab this reflection he dropped his original piece of meat into the lake.  Before you let go of what you have you need to trust what you are striving towards.  This didn't exactly include love in the fable, but the importance of human knowledge of the situation.      

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Songs of Holy Mary (Cantigas de Santa Maria)

I am comparing poems 2 and 4, and also incorporating the introductions.  The introductions gave me a lot of interesting information.  It seemed to me that the author of these poems has a sexual attraction to the Virgin Mary.  I may be incorrect an this could just be religious loyalty.  The author praises Mary and refers to her as the Mother of God and also as She not she. 

Poem two shows the power the Virgin Mary has over even Lords.  She is respected and her voice is feared.  I never thought Mary was depicted in this way.  She seems to want the governmental individuals to fear her, because I am sure she does not understand how government fully works.  But fear is understandable.  She is a powerful woman and this poem tells the story of how she was respected by a Saint.  She also respectable to others and respected by others, a very valuable condition.

Poem four shows Mary as a forgirveful and caring character.  This is the story of Mary confirming the Jew and then saves him from his father.  She forgives the Jew for being Jewish and converts.  This part of the story narrates a conflict between Jews and Christians/Catholics.  Once Mary converts the boy she blesses him so he does not burn when his father throws him into a furnace.  Mary's power is shown here again and like her son Jesus her gifts will travel as rumors and stories around the country. 

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Troubadour / Trobairitz Poetry

The poems by Trobairitz are from the perspective of noble woman.  The vision I imaged while reading these poems was one of bitter countesses sitting in their rooms sulking about their husbands.  They are of rich family and they were courted by rich men that swooped them off their feet.  These woman were spoiled and fell quickly in love, but this love soon died.  The men were still attractive and went out while the wives stay at home and grow more bitter towards these men.  They turn bitter and grow distant from the husbands that may still love them.  The women are driven mad by solitude and unsure thoughts.  Falling in love was quick and easy for these women, but to keep it strong is difficult and seems to fail at all costs.

Compare these poems by Trobairitz to the poems by Trobadors it is the complete opposite.  Trobairitz's poems are clearly written and the reader can distinguish genders, characters and feelings within the writing.  Trobadors' poems were difficult to understand.  I thought the speaker was in love with a man and woman at the same time, but I think 'he' and 'man' refers to the speaker (himself) or God.  But this man is obsessed with a woman.  I thought she was his lover, but as the poem progresses I discovered she is a woman in his village and he does not talk to her.  So this man is a stalker.  He wishes to become a sparrow and fly to her room.  He is in love with this fantasy, and it kills his heart.  His friends no longer speak to him because of this obsessive love.  This man drives himself into solitude because of this fantasy.  He evens keeps himself from falling in love with real woman who look for it.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Arabic Poetry

1) Overall Themes
'Dove's Necklace' discusses many ideas of love.  Immediate love, love with eyes, trepidation between lovers, and the different classes of love.  I enjoyed the topic that was discussed incorporating the importance of eyes into love.  The first section of the reading defines eyes as the volume that love can travel through between lovers, which I agree with.  The idea has to do with smiling with your eyes.  Eyes hold all of our emotions, and they are usually by passed when considering this.  People concentrate on the mouth more to recognize emotions, whereas the eyes are the best at depicting how we feel.  Eyes are mentioned later in the reading in the passage on tears.  When someone is in love with a lover, friend or family member they are vulnerable to tears.  Tears show the love people have for one another.  When people are in love they their emotions and tears are way more vulnerable.

Another idea that really caught my attention was how men fall in love with fantasies or images or women.  The reading only mentioned men doing this, but I think it also happens with women.  The reading had an interesting story where the man fell in love with his dream maiden.  A very odd story and tales like these make people think of stalkers.  When someone falls in love with the image of someone not the reality, it usually develops in a unhealthy matter.

Both of these ideas relate back to the entire theme of intense and immediate love.  That it is unpredictable and unstable no matter how healthy or unhealthy it may be to that individual.  It is interesting to see all these concepts written down on paper, trying to define love in a couple paragraphs is a little intense.

2)
The poetry by Ibm Hazm seems almost obsessive.  The themes from 'Doves Necklace' are incorporated strongly into the poetry, but the artist takes it further.  Love is immediate and intensely passionate.  Poem A incorporates passion for love, that his love has now boundaries.  Intense and unlimited love.  As the poems consecutively increase the themes become more and more intense.  Poem C incorporates the idea of men being in love with fantasies.  How people become obsessed with the image they hold dear for love, be it true or not.  

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Islamic Art

Early Islamic art has hugely influenced by the Bysatine and Sansanian empires that were absorbed into Islamic culture.  There was form official form of Islamic art until the state was more established and yet still had heavy influences from previous cultures.  Pottery and glass are the two popular forms of art during this time, a famous piece of clay is a Stucco relief-plaque that features a Iranian man on horseback conquering.  Glass work featured late-Roman styles and was beautifully sculpted.
During Early Medieval times Islam states had gained power and were expanding to Sicily, Egypt and Syria.  Islam states respected religious tolerance and these new territories flourished with different religions living side by side in harmony.  Egypt and Syria were experiencing a Golden Age and the art of this time flourished.  Gold-work, crystal, and jewelry were very extensive during this age.  Social status was represented by the artwork that people were now wearing.  Right before Late Medieval times, Spain experienced a change in rule and become conservative with the artwork in the country and branched into a ceramic based art category.
Late Medieval times were during the Mongolian conquer of Middle Eastern Nations and some European nations.  The movement of Chinese culture into the Islamic states heavily influenced artwork.  Older styles were still practiced, which included luster ceramics, metal work, and glasswork.  Styles that included more colors and silver were incorporated.  Art at this time heavily focused on manuscript writing and paintings, a famous example of this is the Shanama.  Mongolian influence is recognized with the appearance of lotuses, peonies, clouds, dragons and phoenixes in many paintings.  Artwork is always going to be influenced by political power and cultural groups present in society.  Artwork will be changing and growing to compensate for societal beliefs and views.              

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (Day Two: Books 4 and 6)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (Day Two: Books 4 and 6)

     The story of The Minydes and Hermaphroditus both have a common theme of naive knowledge of society and the gods. The story about the Minydes incorporates multiple greek stories, where the mistresses take these stories and give them their own meaning.  They dishonor the knowledge of the gods and group together to undermine this knowledge.  Each girl tells their own story Arsippe tells the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, Leuconoe tells the the story of Mars and Venue, and Alcithoe tells the story of Salmacis.  All of these stories end with the demise of humans.  The demise of humans comes from their deception of the gods, very ironic.  By the end of all this story telling and plotting to undermine the stories of gods the Minydes are turned into bats.
      The story of Hermaphroditus has a more vague theme than The Minydes story, but it is still common and has to do with naive knowledge.  Hermaphroditus is a child of male and female appearance, but he is of male sex at this time.  He leaves home and is venturing around the forest and his attention is captivated by a beautiful pool of water.  Without further thought about the dangers of this pool or what it could be he jumps in.  His inexperienced youth causes him to be attacked by a water nymph who falls in love with his body.  Hermaphroditus and the nymph merge into one being and he is forever both and neither man and woman.
     All of these stories end with the demise of humans because of punishment from the gods, wish granting on a supernatural's wish in Hermaphroditus' case or by interacting with gods.  Humans that do not think their decisions for or despise the gods pay for their actions heavily in these stories.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (Day One: Books 1 and 3)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' (Day One: Books 1 and 3):

Book One:

After reading a little further into the story I recognized similar stories to the ones we read in Genesis. The gods created humans to rule all things on earth, but then the humans were curious about other things in life that angered the gods. Humans became less naive and simple. These changes the gods thought were ruining the human race so they flooded the world. All of these stories connect with Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark and other stories of human corruption. I am assuming Genesis was written before these stories so these stories might very well be based on Genesis. There are still many differences between the two texts. Metamorphoses includes a lot of details, the formation of earth alone is a very detailed story it explains the reasoning for each being formed. I enjoyed how the book included scenes of the gods discussing what to do next and described the setting they are present in above the sky. It would be interesting to see how many other stories in this region are similar to Genesis.

Book Three:


Tiresias tells the story of Venus, which is the Greek god Aphrodite.  He tells us that Venus was born a man, but after touching two snakes became a woman?  It sounds a little wild and this is what I got from his story.  It is an ironic story because Venus is the goddess of love and having been a man originally almost contradicts the meaning of this goddess.  Is Tiresias saying that men can also love like women or that they are very similar to each other?  Tiresias could also just be crazy since he has lost his vision and believes he is a prophet.   

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Plato's 'Republic'

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Plato's 'Republic': For this reading, please pick two passages from the text that interest or intrigue you and write about them. What do you think Plato reveals...

The passage between 55b and 555c discusses the "transformation from an oligarchy to a democracy" and that the wish to become a democracy is because gentlemen want to become "as rich as possible". I find these comic and ironic, compared to today's democracy it is the complete opposite. With democracy there is a greater spread of wealth and fairness throughout the society, while in a tyranny or oligarchic governed society the rich are rich and there are a lot of unmonitored poor people. Around section 555d distribution of wealth is addressed and the idea of how that many people can be treated fairly. During Plato's time politicians were discussing important matters that we are still trying to fix in our on government.

Another topic discussed that is very interesting is between passages 556a and 556c. The text examines the issues of laws and virtue. Is this the time when basic laws were being developed after the 'Ten Commandments"? The gentlemen in the text discuss how laws will keep criminals and angry individuals at bay. How their virtues will hold them back from being dishonorable. Later in the text in 557a democracy is defined as "when the poor win, killing some of the others and casting some...share the regime and ruling offices." This statement seems insane, but if you take it into consideration that is what the American Revolution was. Interesting.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Odyssey (Day Four: Books 16-20; Day Five: Books 21...

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Odyssey (Day Four: Books 16-20; Day Five: Books 21...:

Question Two:

Odysseus was on a journey to find himself and find peace I did not find that it was a journey away from violence. During his journey he continued to fight and trick people to reach safety in the end. Violence is not only a physical deed but by ticking or lying to someone Odysseus could be considered mentally violent. He murdered traitors in his kingdom and these murders can be justified. They would have killed his son, taken his wife, taken his kingdom and if they had a chance might have killed him. Odysseus is no longer killing for strife or fame, he is protecting his family and kingdom which shows how much he has changed. Even in these last books, Odysseus will continue to grow and find himself.

Question Three:

Firstly I wish I had a bed like this. This bed symbolizes Penelope's model as a smart and clever woman, which I think is very similar to Athena. Penelope uses the bed to trick Odysseus into proving his true self to her, it is very clever of her. In most of the literature including this epic poem the women are not mentioned a lot, but most of them are very clever and smart individuals. Penelope is a strong figure in Greek literature, she has to hold her husbands kingdom and her suitors at bay for many years. Her intelligences is also shown with her knitting plan to trick her suitors into waiting.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: The Odyssey (Day Three: Books 11-15)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: The Odyssey (Day Three: Books 11-15)

Question 1:

In Book 11 Odysseus sails down into Hades, the land of souls. Here he encounters past family members, war heroes, and acquaintances. The dead he talks to always ask how the real world is and questions about their alive family members. The longer Odysseus is down there the deeper his conversations become. They begin with dead crew members, then his mother, then war heroes, and the most important is his conversation with Achilles. Achilles has his story in the Iliad and tells the story of Troy and his undefeated nature. Odysseus learn's from Achilles about the fight for Troy and how he chose glory over having a family and long-lived life. Achilles seems to regret this decision now that he is in the land of souls and is finished with life. His speech/poem to Odysseus is advice and possibly foreshadowing that he should settle down with his family and give up on the glory. This is ironic advise from Achilles because this is the opposite of what he followed. This moment serves as an epiphany for Odysseus and hopefully he follows down this path once he reaches home. This journey down into Hades is one of his most difficult feats and towards the end of his journey home. While on this journey he finds himself and will become at peace with his decision to come home.

Question 3:

In Book 13 Odysseus arrives in Ithaca, but he does not recognize his homeland because of his age and Athena has hidden it from him. Athena approaches him, but he tricks the goddess into revealing her true self. This test satisfies the goddess and shows that Odysseus has the perfect skills to deceive Penelope's suitors. Next Athena disguises Odysseus as a weary vagabond so that his old subject, Eumaeus will not recognize him, even though it has been 20 years and I am sure he will not recognize him. I hope that his disguise will continue even while he is tricking the future suitors of his wife, it would give him a further advantage. This disguise symbolizes how different of a man he is since his last time in Ithaca. 20 years have greatly changed Odysseus past being recognized.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Homer's Odyssey (Day Two: Books 6-10)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Homer's Odyssey (Day Two: Books 6-10):

1) Calypso is the first woman we hear about in this story that wants to have Odysseus as her lover after Penelope. Calypso even defies the gods at first when they command her to release Odysseus so that he can return to his kingdom. Later in the story we learn that Odysseus also was the goddess, Circe’s lover. Both of these stories show that Odysseus is not loyal to Penelope. If he continues to be loyal to his wife and fight’s these urges from other women, his story is one of true love. I do not think this is the case. Calypso gives the readers insight into the thinking of Odysseus and men in this time, that they are allowed to be un-loyal to their wives it is necessary, but if the woman does this in return it is unfaithful and illegal.

4) The Cyclops is the first enemy that Odysseus has the opportunity to fight. His enemies before this were Zeus sending storms and the forbidden fruits of the Lotus. The Cyclops is also half god, he is the son of Poseidon. The Cyclops represents something greater than Odysseus, but a fair opponent compared to those previous. Odysseus represents his true strength when he defeats the Cyclops; this show of cunning knowledge and strength shows he is more than an average man. This is the first victory on his very long journey and foreshadows future victorious for the man.

Odysseus’s statement that his name is ‘Nobody’ was just part of his plan to escape from the Cyclops. The Cyclops is not a smart being and by just telling him his name is ‘Nobody’ the monster actually believes him. When the time comes to kill the Cyclops instead of giving away Odysseus’s plan he prevents his neighbor from saving him from Odysseus.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Homer's Odyssey (Day One: Books 1-5)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Homer's Odyssey (Day One: Books 1-5): Please respond to two questions or bring up your own topics (and analyses) for discussion: 1. The opening verses (the prologue) of Book One...

4) I am reading the Odyssey with an open mind, I do not even know the story. I never had the opportunity to study classical literature before so these are all very new stories to me. Being The Odyssey with Telemachus’s story shows that he is just as important as his father. He makes an effort, with the help of the gods, to save his father’s kingdom, mother and even rescue Odysseus. Telemachus has a strong religious belief and strives to search for his missing father. Odysseus is located on an unknown island and is not even rescued by his son, but let free by the gods.

It will be interesting to see if Telemachus’s and Odysseus’s paths cross one another or if the son’s story will just end. The story is title Odyssey not Telemachus, so I will take an educated guess and assume the stories from now on will focus on Odysseus.

5) The text says Telemachus was an infant when Odysseus went to war and now he is just a young adult. Without a father Telemachus is forced to mature fast and take care of his mother and father’s kingdom, which is being taken advantage of. Telemachus is reached out by Artemis, the goddess of wisdom and is told to send away his mothers suitors and find his missing father. Without question he follows these orders and never doubts the truth in them. He ventures on to search for his father without telling anyone, but his nurse in the kingdom. He visits Troy and Greece searching for his father, but the only clue he finds is from Proteus in Sparta. This is strange because I think Sparta is an enemy country of where Telemachus is from. Having never heard these stories before makes it difficult to connect the dots with this ancient way of writing.

Telemachus becomes a man while on this journey to find his missing father. He is following the advice of gods and has help from another prince. This journey represents something similar that his father, Odysseus might do. Shows that father and son may be reunited soon or that the son will now have the power and experience to save his father.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Five: Chapters 37, 39-50)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Five: Chapters 37, 39-50): For today's blog, bring up at least two topics of interest and write a short and cohesive argument explaining why these themes are important...

The main theme I found while reading the stories of Joseph was jealousy between brothers. This theme is not only portrayed in Joseph's story, but every other story we have covered in Genesis so far between brothers. Joseph's brothers become jealous of him because Israel favors him over his brothers. Joseph begins to develop dreams because the Lord watches over him. He makes the mistake and brags to his brothers about these dreams. How he will rule over the land, his brothers and even his father! This creates even more jealousy and his brothers plot to murder him out of spite. Jealousy seems to always befall the brother that is favored or blessed by the Lord. Later in Genesis Joseph's master's wife tries to lie with him in bed, but Joseph refuses. She is jealous of his attractive looks and he disobeys her so she sees that he is arrested on false claims. I find it strange that all these stories included Joseph's have such a strong element of envy in them. Is Genesis attempting to say how jealousy is something evil? But those who are envied always triumph and brag about their actions. Which is the correct action or correct argument?

The second theme I find important is treachery and deception by those in social power. Joseph deceives his family because he attempts to trick them because of the crimes they did against him. The stories of Genesis always have these elements, characters do not like to be truthful and it is always revealed in the end. I think that Joseph takes his deception far, but his brothers did attempt to murder him. Once again, I think these stories are portraying themes that are evil, but make it very unclear. Deception and treachery are both bad, but when they occur the person conducting them wins in the end because of it. So is treachery good if it helps or is it always evil and makes your intentions pure evil?

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Four: Chapters 25-28, 32-33)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Four: Chapters 25-28, 32-33): Please answer at least three questions or bring up your own topics (and answers) for discussion. Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau (Chapters 2...

1) The story begins with the Lord saying the youngest will rule over the oldest son, Jacob will rule over Esau. Esau seems to be the strong brother and cares for Jacob greatly; he hunts game for him and always is nice to him according to the text. As soon as Esau is in danger Jacob steal's his birthright from him for now reason! What is Esau's birthright? After this act Esau seems greatful he is still alive, but bitter towards Jacob. Jacob them takes it a step further and steals his blessing also. At this point it is ridiculous and once again the youngest son destroys the older son for NO REASON. Why the same things keep repeating I am not sure and this family is not honorable or courteous towards each other at all.

2) Isaac and Rebecca do not help with the relationship between their sons at all! A perfect example of this is Rebecca heavily favors Jacob and has him lie to his father. This act makes me think that she dislikes Esau. She has Jacob tell his dying father that he is Esau so that he can steal his blessing. Jacob goes right along with it and shows how weak or deceiving his character is. Rebecca is very deceiving and is similar in many ways to Sarah. The same is seen for Isaac and is very similar to Abraham especially in the beginning of the story when he pretends his wife is his sister, sound familiar? It is very strange that this couple behaves so similar to the previous couple and there is the continuous issue with brothers, I am not sure what Genesis is trying to infer about ancient civilizations. All of the characters in this story are so deceiving towards their loved ones. They care little for one another when it goes to the end. Jacob steals everything from Esau, Esau wants to kill Jacob, Isaac doesn't seem to care about giving the blessing to the wrong son, and Rebecca makes her son lie to Issac.

5) The text states Jacob was 'left alone', this is meant alone in the sense of people. The text continues to imply Jacob is wrestling with God, which could mean metaphorically, in his head, or physically. If God appeared after Jacob was alone there is no need to mention in the text of his appearance. There are such little details in Genesis that this would not be included, we should be able to figure it out. Jacob is proving to God that he is still worthy of his protection and that he is still blessed and deserves to be saved.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Three: Chapters 12, 16-18, 21-23)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Three: Chapters 12, 16-18, 21-23): Please answer at least three questions or bring up your own topics (and responses) for discussion: THE JOURNEY TO EGYPT 1. Why does Abram ...

2) In the beginning Sarah must pretend to be Abraham’s sister and ends up marrying the Pharaoh. I think she does not speak because she has nothing to say. She cares for her husband and they both think this is the only way to make sure Abraham is not killed while in Egypt. She is doing as her husband commands her too, which resembles how wives were expected to behave in this time. Once Sarah and Abraham are reunited she becomes very opinionated and Abraham listens to everything she says. An example of this is when Sarah commands Abraham to conceive a child with Hagar, her Egyptian servant.

3) The first love triangle is formed between Sarah, Abraham and Hagar because Sarah can not bore children for Abraham. She commands him to take Hagar as his wife and she will bore him children. Sarah believes that Hagar will bore the children for her. Poor Hagar is taken away from her home in Egypt and is forced to bore Sarah and Abraham’s child. Sarah becomes outraged by her decision and threatens Hagar. Hagar flees from her mistress, but the Lord convinces her to return to Sarah and bore the child from the. Sarah bores her own child in old age and when she hears Hagar’s son laughing at her she casts them both out. Even though Hagar gave up so much for Sarah and Abraham, Sarah forced them to flee again, but never to come back.

Hagar is a servant and difference in class is apparent here, Sarah and Abraham take advantage of her. She is also Egyptian and the couple is the first of the Jews, this separation of the two ethnicities begins with their story. It is ironic how Sarah and Abraham take advantage of Hagar, an Egyptian and the Egyptians will soon take advantage of the Jews (descendents of Abraham).

4) Abraham trusts God with every command that he gives him and Sarah. I think that God tests Abraham for the sole reason to see how far this trust will go and to see what power God has over mankind. Abraham will be forming a nation and will birth princes and royalty. God needs to make sure that he will have the same control over this nation as he does over Abraham. By threatening Isaac in this terrible and installing this fear into Abraham, God is passing down the authority of the voice of God. This fear is even supported by the statement the Lord makes after Abraham almost murders his son: “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” (Genesis 22)

The relationship between Abraham and the divine is very strong. God is guiding Abraham and Sarah through life to his liking. He continues to command their family and the final test is the murder of Isaac. I am happy that God didn’t actually want Isaac dead, but it is strange he tested the father in that way. It shows Abraham cares more for the divine than his own family, which is not even human.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day Two: Chapters 4, 6-9)

Cain & Abel:

4) The mark of Cain is an ambiguous mark and only God and Cain can see it. This mark might be able to be felt by his loved ones or those that wish to kill him. I do not see this mark as a protection, but a curse. Cain does not wish to live with his punishment after he has killed his brother. By God marking him he has made sure that Cain will live his full life in despair, wandering alone.

5) If arts, culture, music, etc. rises from the family of a murderer that does not mean a bad thing. If principles are practiced in a negative way continuously because of these cultures, that is bad. Things may develop from the family of a murderer, just because Cain had bad blood it does not mean his whole family is evil. Good creations can come from previous evil people. Culture and civilization are constantly changing so ancient creations will have little effect on the current molds.

Noah: A major theme present in these readings is that God responds to disobedience with disappear. God is not thinking clearing about this reaction to issue that occur with his creations. When Eve and Adam disobey and eat the fruits he casts them out and curses them. This punishment may not be a bad thing, but the Lord sees it this way. When human kind does not fall under God's standards he just kills them along with everything else on Earth. This decision is not only harsh, but not thought through at all. God is seen as an all powerful being, but instead of allowing humans to grow and aiding in the process he just kills almost the whole population.

Later in the text, the Lord claims he will never destroy humans again like he did. One can only wonder when God could strike again. I am interested to see what happens in the rest of the Old Testament and even the New Testament. God may have created humans in his image, but how he is reacting to human behavior seems like there is a feeling of regret towards creation of humans.

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day One: Chapters 1-3)

AUCX 190: MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES: Genesis (Day One: Chapters 1-3): Please answer at least three questions (or come up with your own topics of discussion). Remember, your answers should represent a short and ...

1) The concrete definition of Genesis 1 is to follow the description of the six days. To believe and discuss that God formed day and night, heaven and earth, seas and land, fish, beasts, plants, and man. Finally on the seventh day God rests and because of this our weeks are formed. That each thing that is created has meaning for something else besides it self and that man is elite to all other things. When the Lord forms Eve from Adam's flesh it could mean that Adam is elite to Eve because of this; could this spark for male supremacy? Once they eat the fruit God punishes them for disobeying, but if it is read from a ambiguous perspective it is God just showing them the truths of life. God creates the distance between beast and man, he gives man the power to work the land for himself, and shows woman the pain that children will cause. God and these beginning stories are defined in Genesis very loosely, only main points are articulated. This gives the reader the opportunity to define the meaning of each story in their own way.

2) God is presented in the opening as a strong and elite being. Nothing on Earth was created like him except man was created in mirror of his image. Humans only resemble the image of God, but they do not possess his knowledge of powers. God is portrayed as loving and caring while creating earth, beginning with the most important things. Yet when Eve and Adam disobey and eat the fruits his punishes them immediately because they posses his knowledge of good and evil. I see these statements as God wanted to keep man and woman naive to their surroundings. There is so much past the garden of Eden and humans are naturally curious. The opening makes man and woman fearful of disobeying God.

3) I did not realize that chapters 1 and 2 were separate creation stories, I thought it was a continuation. These chapters do make it difficult to read Genesis and that might be to allow for all people reading this to form their own definition of the opening chapters. Creation of the Earth is very important and it could have happened in multiple ways. The first chapter, weeks and days are formed with man ruling over the land. In chapter 2 beasts can talk (serpent) and at first they live in happiness together. I think that both stories could be seen as true, but that God created different parts of the world. The second story only revolves are the Mediterranean region, the Garden of Eden has the Tigris and Euphrates, two rivers that really do exist. The first story discusses the creation of the world in general. This difference shows that the Mediterranean region is special in God's eyes.

4) Both man and woman are portrayed as naive. Eden has the ability to trust, she trusts the serpent when he convinces her to eat the fruits from the Tree of Life. Adam has the ability to love and trust his wife. Adam knows he should not eat the fruit, God told him not too, but he believes his wife and eats the fruit. Immediately both man and woman are aware of their surroundings. This shows that human is independent.

5) I do not see the Tree of Life as being something that is good or evil. The Tree of Life posses the ability to make human aware of the goods and evils in life, the distinct between truth and lie or real and fake. This tree possesses 'truth', which explains the trees beautiful aesthetics. Truths always seem better than lies, but they can hurt more and cause pain, when lies can protect and blind. Why this knowledge is forbidden I can only guess that God wishes to keep humans naive and peaceful. Because Eve and Adam do not obey God's desires this begins the differences between human and God(s).

6) Yes, I think the punishment is completely positive. God might have bestowed pains upon Adam and Eve, but both now know the truth of what the land is really like and have each other. It is better for humans to live together in hardship than to live blindly in paradise. Had they stayed in the Garden of Eden, the stories would have stopped there. Humans would just live in paradise until they died off.