English II
27 October to 31 October
22 October
• Warm Up: Parts of Speech Review - Adverbs
• Essential Question: What is Wisdom Literature?
• Today’s Agenda:
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Identify types of Wisdom Literature
The Mystery of Brahman
Indian Epic Poems
Vocabulary Unit 4
• Tomorrow’s Agenda:
• Indian Epic Poems
Warm Up – Adverbs
Identify the adverb in each sentence and identify whether it is modifying an adverb or an adjective
An adverb modifying an adjective answers only one question: To What Extent?
1. The end of the movie was rather unsatisfying.
2. Alison will almost certainly finish the course.
3. That is an exceptionally good novel.
4. The alarm clock hardly ever wakes me up.
5. Dad seemed genuinely surprised by the party.
6. The mayor was quite strongly opposed to the new law.
7. The patient seemed somewhat stronger today.
8. Hardly any cookies were left over.
9. The student worked very diligently.
10. That building is extraordinarily beautiful.
Wisdom Literature
• Types of Wisdom Literature
• Myth – an anonymous tale that explains the actions of gods or the causes of
natural phenomena
• Fable – a brief story that teaches a moral or practical lesson about life and
usually features animal characters
• Parable – a brief story that teaches a moral or religious lesson and usually
features human characters
• Proverb, maxim, or aphorism – a wise saying that offers practical wisdom
about life. Such sayings are often included within larger works
• Sacred text – the foundation of a religion
• Spiritual or philosophical text – teaches moral conduct or explores questions
about the meaning of life and may be the foundation of a system of spiritual
beliefs
Wisdom Literature
• Features of Wisdom Literature
• Often uses an aphoristic style – a brief, memorable and often witty saying that
expresses a truth about life
• Figurative language – language that is not meant to be understood literally
and instead expresses an imaginative connection
• Symbolism – a symbol is an object, a person, an animal, a place, or an image
that represents both itself and something larger in meaning – usually an
abstract idea.
• Allegory – a literary work with two levels of meaning. Every element has both
a literal and a symbolic meaning with specific characters standing for abstract
qualities.
• Didactic purpose – it is meant to teach a moral or ethical lesson about life
Activity
• Read pages 188-189
• Then we will divide into groups of four
• Within your group, consider the following:
• What are the different ways modern people seek meaning in their lives
• The following questions should guide your discussion:
• What, if anything, can people in the twenty-first century learn from ancient philosophical
texts such as the Upanishads? Explain
• Do philosophical questions about the meaning of life and the nature of reality have any
application to your own life? Why or why not?
• After you have discussed your ideas with your group, you will choose a
spokesperson to share your ideas with the class.
28 October
• Warm Up: Parts of Speech Review - Adverbs
• Essential Question: How do Indian Epic Poems reflect the structure
and beliefs of Indian culture?
• Today’s Agenda:
• Indian Epic Poems
• Tomorrow’s Agenda:
• Indian Epic Poems
Warm Up – Adverbs
Identify the adverbs in each sentence as well as the verb it modifies and the question it answers.
1.
The pork chops are being served now.
2.
The child behaved badly at the circus.
3.
Several guests arrived late.
4.
Julia beat the eggs briskly.
5.
Have any of the tomatoes ripened completely?
6.
You will find the package inside.
7.
Our neighbors are moving away.
8.
Ted bravely answered the question.
9.
The patient has fully recovered from the surgery.
10.
Robert finished the test early.
11.
The pianist performed brilliantly.
12.
I will meet you there.
13.
The new mayor spoke confidently about the future of the city.
14.
Yesterday I forgot my science homework.
15.
The leaves rustled softly.
Name
Date
English II
Wisdom Quiz
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Wisdom Literature Quiz
1. What are the types of wisdom literature?
2. What is a parable?
3. What is an allegory?
4. What is didactic purpose?
5. What is symbolism?
6. What elements do parables feature?
7. What is a fable?
8. What type of text is considered the foundation of a religion?
9. What is one example of a sacred text?
10. What is one example of a parable?
Indian Epic Poetry
• About the Mahabharata
• The world’s longest epic
• Compiled some time between 200 BC and AD 200
• The myths and tales of the Mahabharata are woven into the fabric of its main story:
the account of a fight over the rights to a kingdom.
• An Indian Epic is a long narrative – often a poem – about the deeds and
adventures of an Indian hero.
• It tells the story that bears great religious significance and can include
elements of myth, legend, and history
• Epic hero – the central figure of an epic possessing the following qualities:
• Courage
• Loyalty
• Great physical strength
Name
Date
English II
Mahabharata
Mahabharata
1. From what is the king trying to divert the hawk’s attention?
2. What does the king’s statement reveal about ancient Indian beliefs
concerning animals.
3. In what ways do the hawk’s words reinforce Sibi’s heroic status?
4. What does the hawk say will happen if Sibi does not give him the dove?
5. What personal quality does Sibi demonstrate by claiming not to know
God’s plan?
6. In explaining why he must stay alive, what belief does Sibi reveal
regarding a ruler’s responsibilities?
7. What does the hawk agree to take in place of the dove?
Name
Date
English II
Mahabharata –
Critical Reading
Mahabharata
1.
Do you think that Sibi was foolish to keep his promise to the dove regardless of the consequences? Why or why not.
2.
Explain the duties of Sibi and the hawk.
3.
How do their duties conflict?
4.
How does Sibi first attempt to resolve his conflict with the hawk?
5.
What does this strategy reveal about his attitude toward the painful sacrifice he later undertakes?
6.
What arrangement finally satisfies the hawk’s demand for food?
7.
Why do you think the king agrees to this plan?
8.
What happens after Sibi steps onto the scale?
9.
What is the meaning of this event?
10.
What values do Sibi’s actions demonstrate?
11.
What do these values suggest about the purpose of this story?
12.
How does the importance that ancient Indians placed on keeping one’s word compare with attitudes toward honesty and duty
in the modern world? Explain.
Name
Date
English II
Mahabharata –
Critical Reading
Mahabharata
1.
Do you think that Sibi was foolish to keep his promise to the dove regardless of the consequences? Why or why not.
2.
Explain the duties of Sibi and the hawk.
3.
How do their duties conflict?
4.
How does Sibi first attempt to resolve his conflict with the hawk?
5.
What does this strategy reveal about his attitude toward the painful sacrifice he later undertakes?
6.
What arrangement finally satisfies the hawk’s demand for food?
7.
Why do you think the king agrees to this plan?
8.
What happens after Sibi steps onto the scale?
9.
What is the meaning of this event?
10.
What values do Sibi’s actions demonstrate?
11.
What do these values suggest about the purpose of this story?
12.
How does the importance that ancient Indians placed on keeping one’s word compare with attitudes toward honesty and duty
in the modern world? Explain.
29 October
• Warm Up: Writing Prompt 12
• Essential Question: How do Indian Epic Poems reflect the structure
and beliefs of Indian culture?
• Today’s Agenda:
• Indian Epic Poems
• Monday’s Agenda:
• Indian Fables
Name
Date
English II
WP12
Writing Prompt #12
Please consider each of the following prompts and then choose one to
respond to. Your response should be a minimum of 1 page.
• The writer Thomas Mann said, “War is only a cowardly escape from
the problems of peace.” Do you agree with this claim? Why or why
not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Activist Jeannette Rankin once said, “You can no more win a war than
you can win an earthquake.” Do you agree with this statement? Why
or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
Name
Date
English II
Gita
Bhagavad-Gita
1. What ancient Indian values does Arjuna express in the beginning of the
epic poem?
2. According to Sri Krishna how should one accept both pleasure and pain?
3. In what way does the stanza that begins “Know this Atman” reflect
ancient Indian beliefs about the spirit?
4. What do Krishna’s words regarding Arjuna’s duty reveal about the
importance of honor in ancient India?
5. According to Sri Krishna, how will others view Arjuna if he does not fight?
6. What ancient Indian ideas about materials does the stanza that begins
“Thinking about sense-objects” reveal?
7. What Indian values does the stanza that begins “The uncontrolled mind”
convey?
Name
Date
English II
Epic Poetry Quiz
Epic Poetry Quiz
1. What is the world’s longest epic poem?
2. When was the world’s longest epic poem compiled (dates)?
3. Who wrote the world’s longest epic poem?
4. What is the main story of the world’s longest epic poem?
5. What is another example of an epic poem?
6. Is the epic hero the protagonist or antagonist of the epic poem?
7. What are the three qualities of an epic hero?
8. Who is the epic hero in the world’s longest epic poem?
9. What is the difference between myth and history?
10. What are the three elements of an epic poem?
Name
Date
English II
Gita
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Bhagavad-Gita
Do you agree with Sri Krishna’s advice to Arjuna? Why or why not
When Arjuna is distraught at the beginning of the selection whom does he ask for advice?
What is the cause of his confusion?
What does Krishna explain to Arjuna about the Atman?
Why might that knowledge comfort Arjuna?
What action does Krishna advise Arjuna to take? Does Arjuna have a choice? Why or why not.
In what manner does Krishna advise Arjuna to fight? What will Arjuna ultimately gain from acting this
way?
8. What do Krishna’s statements about the Atman suggest about the relationship between knowledge and
action? Is one element in this relationship more important than the other? Explain.
9. What three Hindu beliefs does the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna promote? How do these
concepts relate to each other?
10. What advice might Krishna give to people in modern society who believe that wealth is the measure of
success?
Name
Date
English II
Gita
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Bhagavad-Gita
Do you agree with Sri Krishna’s advice to Arjuna? Why or why not
When Arjuna is distraught at the beginning of the selection whom does he ask for advice?
What is the cause of his confusion?
What does Krishna explain to Arjuna about the Atman?
Why might that knowledge comfort Arjuna?
What action does Krishna advise Arjuna to take? Does Arjuna have a choice? Why or why not.
In what manner does Krishna advise Arjuna to fight? What will Arjuna ultimately gain from acting this
way?
8. What do Krishna’s statements about the Atman suggest about the relationship between knowledge and
action? Is one element in this relationship more important than the other? Explain.
9. What three Hindu beliefs does the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna promote? How do these
concepts relate to each other?
10. What advice might Krishna give to people in modern society who believe that wealth is the measure of
success?
30 October
• Warm Up: Parts of Speech Review - Conjunctions
• Essential Question: How do Indian Epic Poems reflect the structure
and beliefs of Indian culture?
• Today’s Agenda:
• Indian Epic Poems
• Tomorrow’s Agenda:
• Indian Fables
Warm Up – NOTES - Conjunctions
• Notes
• Conjunctions – a conjunction is a word used to connect other words or groups
of words. Coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions join similar
kinds of words or word groups. Subordinating conjunctions connect two ideas
by making one of them less important than the other.
• Coordinating Conjunctions – and, for, or, yet, but nor, so
• Correlative Conjunctions – both…and, not only…but also, either…or,
whether…or, neither…nor
• Subordinating Conjunctions – after, as long as, before, since, till, whenever,
although, as soon as, even though, so that, unless, where, as, as though, if,
than, until, wherever, as if, because, in order that, when, while
Warm Up – Conjunctions
identify the conjunction in each sentence then indicate whether it is a coordinating, correlative, or subordinating
conjunction
1. Mr. Kellogg phoned while you were out.
2. Alison knew the answer, yet she did not volunteer.
3. The swimmer was exhausted but proud.
4. We need both cucumbers and tomatoes for the salad.
5. I waited in the car while Ted got his bathing suit.
6. Katie is a better swimmer than I am.
7. Neither Pete nor Carol solved the problem correctly.
8. We will leave as soon as the car is loaded.
9. Dad leaves an hour early so that he can avoid traffic.
10. Put the packages down wherever there is room for them.
Name
Date
English II
Ramayana
Ramayana
1. For whom do Hanuman and the monkeys fight in the battle?
2. How do the gods help Rama as he is about to face Ravana?
3. What heroic trait does Rama demonstrate with the strategy he employs
(pg 210)?
4. Why does Ravana order his charioteer to fly the chariot up in the skies?
5. Explain how Rama’s and Ravana’s use of asthras reinforces their roles in
this epic.
6. How does Rama fend off Ravana’s deadliest weapon, the trident?
7. What heroic qualities does Rama display through his actions when
Ravana is faint?
8. Which weapon finally brings the battle to an end?
Name
Date
English II
Ramayana
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Ramayana
What did you most admire about Rama?
What did you admire most about Ravana?
What does Ravana resolve as he prepares to go into battle?
What does this resolution reveal about his character?
What does Indra send to Rama before Rama goes into battle?
Why do you think the gods want to help Rama win?
How does Rama’s approach to the battle differ from Ravana’s?
What do their actions reveal about their characters?
What message is revealed by Rama’s defeat of Ravana?
What does this message suggest about the ancient Indian attitude toward justice?
What effect might the message of this story have had on ancient Indian society?
How does Rama compare with modern super heroes such as Superman?
Who would you say is the more heroic figure – Rama or Superman? Explain your answer.
Name
Date
English II
Ramayana
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13.
Ramayana
What did you most admire about Rama?
What did you admire most about Ravana?
What does Ravana resolve as he prepares to go into battle?
What does this resolution reveal about his character?
What does Indra send to Rama before Rama goes into battle?
Why do you think the gods want to help Rama win?
How does Rama’s approach to the battle differ from Ravana’s?
What do their actions reveal about their characters?
What message is revealed by Rama’s defeat of Ravana?
What does this message suggest about the ancient Indian attitude toward justice?
What effect might the message of this story have had on ancient Indian society?
How does Rama compare with modern super heroes such as Superman?
Who would you say is the more heroic figure – Rama or Superman? Explain your answer.
31 October
• Warm Up: Writing Prompt #13
• Essential Question: How do Indian Fables reflect the structure and
beliefs of Indian culture?
• Today’s Agenda:
• Indian Fables
• Fables of the Panchatantra
• Monday’s Agenda:
• Indian Non-Fiction
• Next Tuesday – Assessment – Indian Literature
• Next Wednesday – Begin Western European Literature – Novel Unit
Name
Date
English II
WP13
Writing Prompt 13
Please use one of the following starters to write a 1-2 page scary story. Begin
your story with the starter you choose.
• I took off my Halloween costume, washed the paint off my face, put on my
pajamas, brushed my teeth, and went to bed. I was almost asleep when I
first heard the sound ...
• One dark and rainy Halloween ...
• It was the night before Halloween ...
• The black cat twitched its tail twice. It hissed. Then ...
• Everybody said the old Bosworth mansion was haunted ...
• My brother and I were walking through the woods one Halloween day
when we saw what appeared to be a short-cut. "Let's go that way," my
brother said ...
The Panchatantra Fables
• One of India's most influential contributions to world literature, the Panchatantra
(also spelled Pañcatantra or Pañca-tantra) consists of five books of animal fables
and magic tales (some 87 stories in all) that were compiled, in their current form,
between the third and fifth centuries AD. The German Sanskrit scholar Johannes
Hertel (1872-1955) believed that the original collection was compiled in Kashmir
about 200 BC, and that at this time many of the stories were already ancient.
• The work's self-proclaimed purpose is to educate the sons of royalty.
• Although the original author's or compiler's name is unknown, an Arabic
translation from about 750 AD attributes the Panchatantra to a wise man called
Bidpai, which is probably a Sanskrit word meaning "court scholar."
• The fables of the Panchatantra found their way to Europe through oral folklore
channels and by way of Persian and Arabic translations. They substantially
influenced medieval writers of fables.
Panchatantra Fables
• The Panchatantra Fables are the oldest known fables in the literature
of India
• As you watch each of the Fables create a chart in which you identify
the following:
• The Moral Message
• The Characters
• Fables
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The Lazy Brahmin
The Peacock and the Crane
The Ant and the Dove
The Stupid Monkey