Final Examination: Biblical & Classical Literature

English 202-010 (98W)

Open-Book, Open-Note Exam for Friday, 6 February 1998 (9:30 - 11:45)

General Instructions. Write on two (2) of the following three questions. Take about an hour per question. Make certain that your exam responses differ wholly or substantially from what you wrote on your outside essay. If one of the questions below is your paper topic, choose the other two questions. As always, avoid raw plot summary but do articulate a main idea and write by subtopics. The best responses will be thoughtful and rich in detail (with show not tell).

1. Compare and especially contrast how mythic stories and parables make meaning. Include at least two textual examples. (Note: Old Testament okay both for "myth" and for parables.) Explain how these meanings you discover help further the literary goals of the works in question.

2. Compare and especially contrast at least two characters from our readings this semester who successfully resist temptation or who do not choose the easy way (the path of least resistance). Explain the meaning of this resisted temptation in terms of the work in which they appear. (That is, how does this issue further the literary goals of the works in question?)

3. Contrast at least one rash, hasty, or impulsive character with one wise figure from the readings we have done this semester. Explain how this rashness or wisdom helps further the literary goals of the works in question.