I have to do this summer pre-course work for AP English. One part is reading a book on Greek and Roman mythology and picking three people out of newspapers or magazines and writing a paragraph for each about how they are like a character in the book. Any ideas? The book includes most myths and characters from Greek and Roman lit.
I can see a connection between Pandora and President Bush. She opened the forbidden box and evil spilled out. He declared war on Iraq and the evil is still devastating both Iraq and the U.S.
You might look at the astronauts in relation to Odysseus.
What about Mr.Rupert Murdoch and King Midas ?
Hillery Clinton and Hera? Sherapova and Athena?
Good suggestions from Ms. Sue and GuruBlue.
Using this website in conjunction with the particular book you were assigned may help you think of additional people to write about:
http://www.livethemyth.com/glossary1.html
(Don't forget to click on the link for Part II for the latter half of the alphabet.)
=)
Great to hear that you have to do some interesting pre-course work for AP English! Connecting characters from Greek and Roman mythology to individuals from newspapers or magazines can be a fascinating task. Here are some ideas for the connections you can make:
1. Pandora and President Bush:
For this connection, you have already made a great point. Comparing Pandora, who opened the forbidden box and released all the evils into the world, to President Bush's decision to declare war on Iraq, leading to ongoing devastation, is an interesting parallel. You could expand on this by discussing how both actions had unintended consequences and how they relate to the theme of curiosity and consequences.
2. Astronauts and Odysseus:
The comparison between astronauts and Odysseus can be based on the theme of exploration and endurance. Both of them embark on long and dangerous journeys, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. Explore how astronauts, like Odysseus, need to display courage, resourcefulness, and resilience in their quests for discovery. You can also draw parallels between the temptation faced by Odysseus on his journey and the temptations or risks encountered by astronauts in space.
3. Rupert Murdoch and King Midas:
Connecting Rupert Murdoch, a powerful media mogul, with King Midas can be centered around the theme of greed and its consequences. King Midas wished that everything he touched would turn into gold, but it ultimately brought him great misery. Similarly, you can discuss how Rupert Murdoch's desire for wealth, power, and control in the media industry may have had consequences, both positive and negative, in his career and the media landscape.
4. Hillary Clinton and Hera:
Comparing Hillary Clinton to Hera, the queen of the gods, can revolve around the theme of power and influence. Both figures are known for their strong personalities and assertiveness in their respective domains. You can explore how their positions of authority and their desire to protect their interests and maintain control have shaped their careers and actions. Additionally, consider discussing how they have encountered challenges and struggles in navigating a male-dominated realm.
5. Maria Sharapova and Athena:
Drawing connections between Maria Sharapova, a renowned tennis player, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, can focus on their abilities in their respective fields. Both are known for their strategic thinking, skill, and determination. You can emphasize how Maria Sharapova's intelligent approach to tennis and her ability to analyze her opponents' weaknesses aligns with Athena's strategic prowess in mythology.
Remember, while making these connections, it is essential to provide specific examples or evidence from the book you have read to support your comparisons. Good luck with your pre-course work!