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AP IV Lit and Composition Period 6


 * **Your Name** || ** Name of the Allusion ** || ** Allusion Workshop Post ** ||
 * Marie Ronda || The Garden of Eden || **Source:** Bible (Genesis 2-3)

**Summary:** God created a beautiful garden entitled “The Garden of Eden” and needed a being of some sort to take care of it. Therefore, God brought Adam into the world to be in charge of the garden. God then wanted to give Adam some company so he created Eve, the first woman on Earth. He told them they could eat from any tree in the garden, except for the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Soon afterwards, a serpent came along and insisted Eve eats from the tree because she would then be like God. Eve finally ate an apple from the off-limits tree and gave some to Adam. God confronted them and Eve admitted they had sinned. God punished the serpent by making him crawl on his stomach, God made childbirth extra painful for Eve and made growing food more difficult for Adam by adding weeds to The Garden.

The Garden of Eden epitomizes a man vs. God conflict because Adam and Eve defied God after being brought onto Earth. According to the Bible, if it weren’t for God, man would not be existent. God created man and now the man that he constructed is going against his creator.
 * Conflict and Significance: **

Good versus evil is the biggest theme of this Biblical story. The serpent represents evil in the form of temptation by convincing Eve to eat the apple from the Tree. God represents what is good in the world. All he asked of Adam and Eve was to not do one thing and they could not follow his wishes. A related theme is how easy it is to fall to temptation; the serpent did not have to try very hard with Eve. She showed very little willpower, as did Adam. The good versus evil theme is everywhere: The Lion King movie, //To Kill a Mockingbird//, and also in Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome, are a few examples. In The Lion King, Simba represents good and purity and Scar represents evil and jealousy. It is a popular theme because it is such a basic lesson from an early age – knowing right from wrong, and doing the right thing even if the wrong or “evil,” thing is easier or more satisfying. ||
 * Commentary: **
 * Kelsey McGrail || Pandora’s Box || **Source:** Greek mythology (Hesiod’s //Works and Days//)

According to Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman on Earth (ordered by Zeus and created by Hephaestus), and all the gods gave her many wonderful gifts like beauty, music, persuasion, and most importantly, curiosity. When Prometheus stole fire from heaven, Zeus became angry and sent Pandora to Epimetheus, Prometheus’ brother, to be his spouse. In addition, he gave them a box (more like a jar), with instructions never to open it. Because of Pandora’s great curiosity, she couldn’t resist opening the box, and when she did, all the evil in it escaped and spread throughout the world. She closed it as quickly as possible, but mostly everything escaped, except for one thing at the bottom, which was hope. In some myths, however, hope managed to escape also. Either way, the purpose of the story is to explain why evil exists in the world, the cause being Pandora’s innocent curiosity.
 * Summary:**

Pandora’s Box exemplifies the man v. self conflict. Pandora’s conflict about whether to follow the directions or to follow her desire fueled by her curiosity shows the danger all humans face due to our personality “flaws”. We want to do what’s right, but we also want to make ourselves happy.
 * Source of Conflict:**

The main theme in //Pandora’s Box// is that curiosity can be a blessing and a curse. Extreme curiosity can be very helpful, but can also lead to a downfall. Pandora’s curiosity makes her “all-giving”, but it leads her to unleash all the evils of the world. This idea is reflected in many pieces of literature because it is so timeless and universal. One example is in //To Kill A Mockingbird//, where Scout’s curiosity puts her in danger, but it allows her to meet Boo Radley, who is a kind person, and that discovery helps her town to become more accepting. || Figueroa || Cain and Abel || ** Source: ** The Bible Genesis 4:1-8
 * Commentary:**
 * Samantha

[|Cain and Abel]


 * Summary: **

In the Bible, Cain and Abel are known to be the sons of Adam and Eve. The story is told in many different religious tones, languages and versions. However, the frame of the story is essentially the same each time; Cain is a crop farmer and his younger brother Abel is a shepherd. Cain is seen as sinful for he commits the first murder and kills his brother. Cain kills his brother apparently out of spite because the Lord accepts Abel’s animal sacrifices, however he does not accept Cain’s fruit offerings. Since Abel is seen as the first murder victim he is also considered the first martyr and Cain is seen as the embodiment of evil. It is said that Cain committed the first sin, not his father Adam. Adam’s act of eating fruit from the Garden of Eden can be considered the first act of disobedience, not sin.


 * Conflict: **

The story of //Cain and Abel// illustrates man vs. man and man vs. God. Cain feels the pressure of being less successful than Abel, therefore to even the playing field Cain murders Abel. Cain feels resentment towards God for rejecting his sacrifices and kills Abel in spite of Him.


 * Commentary: **

//Cain and Abel// represent some of the oldest conflicts within mankind: competition and survival of the fittest. Both themes relate and intertwine, Cain naturally feels inferior the moment his younger sibling advances in a better direction than he, therefore he feels a natural instinct: jealousy. This jealousy stimulated an impulse; this impulse was to ensure his own success, hence //survival of the fittest.// Cain, evidently saw the way to success was ridding the world of his competition and so he did. This theme is in //The Penelopiad// where Odysseus evens the playing field by cheating and earning Penelope’s hand unfairly. ||
 * Alexis Doucette || Odysseus and the Trojan Horse || ** Source **: Greek Mythology (Homer's // The Odyssey //)


 * Summary **: In // The Oddysey //, after ten years, Odysseus has still not returned home from the Trojan War, where he was a hero for his coming up with the idea for the Trojan Horse. Odysseus used the Trojan Horse so that he and his Greek army could gain access to the highly fortified city of Troy. Odysseus sent all fo the Greek ships into hiding to send the impression that the Greeks had given up. The Greeks left a “gift,” a giant wooden horse, for the Trojans in front of the walls of the city. The Trojans brought the horse into their as a means of celebrating the 10 years of fighting. That night, while the Trojans were preoccupied, the Greeks who were hiding inside the horse slipped out through a trap door and began to kill the Trojans. They then set fire to the city of Troy. The Greeks quickly won the war.

The story of Odysseus and the Trojan Horse is an example of a man vs. man conflict. The story of the Trojan horse deals with a conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans. The Greeks want to destroy the city of Troy, while the Trojans are trying to protect their city.
 * Conflict and Significance: **

In the story of Odysseus and the Trojan horse, the main themes are that not everything is as it seems and that one should not always trust his or her enemies. Odysseus and the rest of the Greek army deceived the Trojans and made them believe that they had given up. In reality, the Greeks were still fighting and had no intention of giving up. The “gift” they gave the Trojans was really an attack in disguise. Since the Greeks were successful in deceiving the Trojans and making them think that the horse was harmless, the Greeks were able to gain access to Troy and win the war. || [|Genesis 6, 7, 8]
 * Commentary **:
 * Victoria Bellmay || Noah and the Flood || **Source**: The Bible

When God first created man on Earth, he began to see what flaws humans had and decided to recreate man all over again. The only man he took a liking to was Noah (since he had continuous faith in God), so He told Noah to build an ark for himself, his wife, his sons, his sons’ wives, and one male and female of every species of being on Earth. God decided he would flood the world to be rid of the flawed humans. Noah had seven days to build the ark before the flood that would last for forty days and nights. The water lasted on the Earth for one hundred and fifty days. God made sure a wind blew by to subside all of the water on Earth so that Noah, his family, and the animals could all live. Noah would start the formation of God’s religion for humankind.
 * Summary:**

Noah and the Flood is a prime example of a man vs. God conflict. Although Noah may not be the one who is directly in God's way, the main idea is that God wants to destroy every living species, including human beings, to start life on Earth all over again.
 * Conflict and Significance:**

Two prominent themes in this story are belief and survival. The only way Noah and his family were able to survive was because Noah “walked with God.” If he did not believe, his family would have died. Survival is the other important theme, because it displays the success of starting a new world all over again. Only the necessary amounts of creatures were allowed to survive. The story would not have had as much of an impact had more people been allowed to live. It teaches the reward of following God’s word and how easily human life can be disposed. || Greek Mythology, Ovid's //Metamorphoses// [|Greece Myths]
 * Commentary:**
 * Carlie Cattelona || Pygmalion and Galatea || **Source:**

**Summary:** Pygmalion was a gifted sculptor who found himself disgusted by all women, and vowed never to marry. He shut himself away from the world and found beauty only in his ivory sculptures. One day, he carved the image of a woman of incredible beauty. He fell in love with it, naming her Galatea, meaning “she who is white like milk,” and adorning her in fine jewels and clothes. His obsession became severe, as he would kiss her, and bring her flowers and gifts. It soon became too much to bare that his creation could not reciprocate any affection, and he begged the goddess Aphrodite to give Galatea life. He noticed after returning home one day that her stone-white cheeks bore a rosy flush. Pygmalion was astounded to watch his ivory creation turn into an adoring lover. They soon fell deep in love, and happily married with the blessing of Aphrodite.

**Conflict:** Pygmalion’s story is an example of man vs. himself conflict, in the sense that he needed to overcome the animosity he held towards women and find desire for companionship. Although he swore never to marry, he created in his own image a woman that vexed him into a romantic obsession.

**Commentary:** One main theme of “Pygmalion and Galatea” is the act of transformation. In order to fulfill their romance, both characters need to change, or be changed. Before Pygmalion could have his wish of Galatea’s animation granted, he needed to admit to himself and Aphrodite that not all women were deserving of his arbitrary hatred. He was forced to accept that he could love not just the statue of his own creation, but the living, and breathing person he wanted her to become. Aphrodite granted his wish and Galatea was physically transformed from a stone-cold statue into a warm, lively being. ||
 * Megan Breitenbach || Tower of Babel || **Source**: Bible (Genesis 11:1-9)

The people of Shinar (Babylonia) became skilled in construction and decided to build a city with a tower that would reach to heaven. During this time having a city represented the drive to come together and form a companionship with the people living in it. By building the tower the people of Shinar were able to do that. They also wanted to make a name for themselves and to share in the glory of God. God came to see their city and the tower they were building. He perceived their intentions and He knew this tower would only lead people away from God. He noted the powerful force within their unity of purpose. As a result, God confused their language, causing them to speak different languages so they would not understand each other. By doing this, God ruined their plans completely.
 * Summary:**

The conflict in this Bible passage is man vs. man. God interrupts the people's project of building the tower and forces the workers to speak different languages, enabling them to communicate and finish the tower. Now their fears of living in small communities are a reality and the people of Shinar lose the city that they have anticipated.
 * Conflict:**

I was not at all surprised when God intervened in this situation. By having access to heaven all of the time would take away from the spiritual relationship people have with God. This tower was a way of controlling God. People could approach God on a whim and ask or pray for whatever they needed at that instant. It would make God always available to us, which is not what Christianity is about. When you are in need, say a prayer to God. When you need an answer to a question, you can pray to God. God works in his own ways and answers each and every person eventually and in subtle ways, not in an instant. This tower would have eliminated that whole process and changed how people worship God completely. || Greek Mythology [|Oxford University Press]
 * Commentary:**
 * Eric Schroeder || Daphne and the Laurel Wreath || **Source:**

The Greek god Apollo was very boastful after slaying a dragon named Python. Apollo arrogantly claimed that Cupid would never be able to do something like that with his puny bow and arrows. To punish Apollo, Cupid shot him with a bright arrow that would make him fall hopelessly in love with Daphne, the beautiful daughter of the river-god Peneus. Apollo was filled with passion at the very sight of her. Unfortunately, Daphne never reciprocated these feelings. Cupid had shot her with a lead arrow that made her unable to ever love Apollo. So, Daphne fled from Apollo’s impassioned advances, and went to her father Peneus’s river for help. He transformed her into a laurel tree to keep her safe from suitors. Apollo was so deeply heartbroken that Daphne could never be his wife that he fashioned a laurel wreath from her branches, to symbolize his un-ending love for her.
 * Summary:**

Daphne and the Laurel Wreath is an example of man vs. man because Cupid and Apollo are both gods. This story shows just how jealous and egotistical the gods could be. If they are ever slighted, they are willing to put another god through an eternity of suffering as revenge.
 * Conflict**:

Something I found surprising in this story is that even gods have human characteristics (arrogance, jealousy, vengefulness) even though I would think they’d be more mature than that. It almost seems as if the conflicts stemming from these are escalated, since gods are immortal and have greater means to exact revenge. For me, someone boasting about a great feat would probably warrant no more than my mentally blocking it out. But, as evidenced by Cupid’s actions, gods are willing to ruin the lives of people with no relation to the incident if it means putting their enemy through maximum suffering. || After God departed from Abraham, He revealed to Abraham that He was going to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, because they were the most wicked cities on Earth. Abraham’s cousin, Lot, lived in Sodom, so Abraham pleaded with God that He would be merciful to these cities if there were 50 righteous men. God agreed, but Abraham asked again, "Perhaps of the fifty righteous men five shall be lacking?" so God agreed that if there were 45 He would not destroy it, this continued on until it was only 10, but there were not even 10 righteous men, they even wanted to abuse the 2 angles that came to save Lot. The angels blinded them and led Lot and his family out of the city. God then destroyed the 2 cities and all the people in them, forming a salt lake, where no creature could live, named the Dead Sea. The wife of Lot looked back at the city and when she did she turned into a pillar of salt. The conflict is mainly between man and the divine, the people of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah and God. The men were so corrupt they could not even listen God or the angels. The other conflict is man versus self, when Lot’s wife decides to look back since she regretted leaving the city behind, teaching that when God saves us from a sin, don't regret it. I wasn’t shocked at the destruction of the 2 cities, I’ve heard the story before and there are several other cases in the Bible where cities or groups of people were completely destroyed. The end is what really got me. When Lot’s wife looked back, hesitating because she regretted leaving the sinful city. I can understand why God would kill her, and I don’t understand why anyone would //regret// leaving such a terrible, awful place, but even I would have probably turned around to look at what had befallen the city I lived in, I think most people would out of pure curiosity. ||
 * Commentary:**
 * Jessica Stanton || Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah || **Source:** The Bible, in Genesis
 * Summary:**
 * Conflict and significance: **
 * Commentary: **
 * Alex Brown || Echo and Narcissus || **Source:** Greek and Roman Mythology- Ovid’s //Metamorphoses// (Found On [])

Summary:

One day the talkative Echo, a wood nymph, allowed the goddess Juno’s husband to commit adultery by distracting Juno with conversation. As punishment, Echo’s voice was removed except to repeat words that were said to her. Echo was waiting in the woods in hopes of seeing Narcissus, an arrogant, beautiful man who many had loved. Unable to tell him of her love, she ran and threw herself on him. Narcissus spurned her, as he had all others. Her grief killed her, leaving behind her voice that repeats the words of others. The gods decided to curse Narcissus for his behavior. For the first time Narcissus caught his reflection in a pool of water. He fell in love with it, believing it to be a water spirit. As he could not join it, he sat by the pool staring at it, not drinking or eating, until he wasted away and a flower grew where he sat.

Conflict:

This story exemplifies the conflict of man vs. himself. His own personality, arrogance, and superiority complex cause him to fall in love with his own reflection, leading to his wasting away. The story shows that a belief in one’s own superiority leads to that persons demise.

Commentary:

The main theme in Echo and Narcissus is that no one is superior to all others, except the gods. The gods see Narcissus’s horrible and cruel treatment of others, and punish him for his hubris. Another theme in the myth is the danger unrequited love. Echo’s unrequited love for Narcissus’s leads her to die in her grief, and Narcissus’s unrequired love for the image in the pool causes him to waste away. The last theme is vengeance. The gods take vengeance on Narcissus for his treatments of others, and Juno takes vengeance on Echo for allowing her husbands adultery. ||
 * Lenny Marshall || Abraham and Isaac || **Source:** The Bible (Genesis 22: 1-19) (seen online on BibleGateway.com)

The story of Isaac and Abraham begins with God calling to Abraham. God commands that he prove his faith in him by sacrificing his son, Isaac. After three days, They arrive at the land of Moriah, where God commanded the sacrifice take place. Abraham takes Isaac to a private area. Isaac is confused, but Abraham comforts him with a white lie. Once they arrive at the spot for sacrifice, Abraham ties his son to the wood but just as he prepares to kill his son, the angel of the Lord calls to him. The angel commands Abraham not to harm his son. The fact that he was willing to sacrifice his son was all that the Lord wants, as it shows how much fear Abraham has of God. The Lord then promises that this much fear deserves to be awarded, and the Lord blesses Abraham and his descendants for obeying his orders.
 * Summary:**

Conflict: Man V. God: God needs us to realize that he is the boss. He is saying that although you may not always agree with what he does, you need to respect it. As Abraham prepares to kill his son, God intervenes. This signifies that although God is the boss, he also cares deeply about us.
 * Conflict and Significance:**

Basically, this story tells us that the rules do not apply to God. He is in charge. This principle is repeated in stories today. If you respect authority, you often reap the benefits. One series that somewhat mirrors this Biblical tale is the Chronicles of Narnia. In the Chronicles of Narnia, it is stated that Aslan, an important authority figure "is not a tame lion." He is not always predictable and his sole purpose is not to look out for us. God has a more detailed agenda than catering to our wishes. I do wonder how Abraham felt when he was commanded to kill his son. I have to imagine he was troubled about it. ||
 * Commentary**:
 * Baron Kim || Jason and the Golden Fleece || **Source:** Greek Mythology - PBS Myths and Heroes

The story begins when Pelias murders Jason’s father, Iolkos, and takes the throne of Greece. When Jason turns 20, he decides to return to Pelias in order to reclaim the throne. While carrying Hera across a river, he loses one sandal. Pelias is alarmed because an oracle prophesied that a man with one sandal would usurp his power. Pelias tells Jason he must retrieve the Golden Fleece to gain the throne. Jason embarks on a journey with a team of 50 heroes called the Argonauts. Jason meets the owner of the Golden Fleece, and he is presented more challenges. Medea, a sorceress that falls for Jason, decides to help him if he marries her, which he does. Together, they return to Greece with the Golden Fleece and Jason reclaims the throne. Unfortunately, the locals are uncomfortable with Medea's magic so they drive them out of Iolkos. Jason deserts Medea and marries another woman, which infuriates Medea. Medea kills the woman and the children she had with Jason. Jason recedes to his boat, the Argo, where sits weeping when a beam of the ship falls off and kills Jason.
 * Summary**:

Jason has a man vs man conflict Medea. She is portrayed as a villainous, foreign sorceress and her character is contrasting to Jason, who is portrayed as a bold, righteous hero. Because of Medea, Jason is driven out of his own kingdom. Jason deserts her for another woman, which is significant because it shows how betrayal will lead to downfall.
 * Conflict and Significance: **

After reading about Jason and the Golden Fleece, I felt sorry for Jason, but it was his fault for betraying Medea and making her jealous. Unfortunately, he had little choice but to marry Medea, a crazed sorceress, in order to return the Golden Fleece to Greece. This decision made him lose his kingdom right after his short-lived success. Of course, he felt like there was no need to be with Medea anymore, so he deserted her. But he did this without knowing how furious it would make her. It almost makes me think about a crazy ex-girlfriend who outrageously tries to spite her ex-boyfriend after a bad break-up. ||
 * Commentary: **
 * Brett Lewbel || Jacob and Esau || **Source:** The Bible (information obtained from Chabad.org)

Isaac and Rebekah had been married and childless for twenty years, but suddenly Rebekah became pregnant with twins (studious Jacob and belligerent hunter Esau). Rebekah’s difficult and very painful pregnancy foreshadowed future conflicts between the brothers. As time passed, the brothers grew ever apart, an estrangement that would ultimately come down to their encounter in the land of Canaan. Jacob’s emissaries reported that Esau had gathered an army of four hundred men to meet him. Realizing that Esau was ready to fight him, Jacob prayed earnestly and sent flocks and herds to Esau in an effort to mollify his anger. He then took up a position which would protect him from a frontal attack by Esau and his army. When they met, however, Esau had apparently been appeased by Jacob’s gifts, and they did not fight each other. Instead, they enjoyed an emotional reunion- their brotherly love restored at last.
 * Summary:**

The man versus man conflict is exemplified by Esau’s vow to kill Jacob upon discovering that he disguised himself as Esau to get Isaac’s blessing. This conflict shows the dangers of deception- Jacob betrayed his brother and had to pray and send flocks and herds to apologize to his brother.
 * Conflict and Significance:**

**Commentary:** As a brother, it is easy for me to understand Esau and Jacob’s conflicts and sympathize with Esau when Jacob received his blessing. I know that brothers are seldom similar and that their personalities can often clash. Jacob wants to get ahead, but ultimately learns to value brotherly love. Esau wants his fair share, and will react violently when he is denied it. Therefore, like all brothers, they have the potential to clash and fight each other, but this story shows us that, at the end of the day, they are still brothers who need to embrace their brotherly love. ||
 * Lenny Marshall || Cupid and Psyche || Source: Metamorphoses (a.k.a. The Golden Ass) by Apuleis. Found on Wisdomportal.com

Summary: Disclaimer: This is an extremely detailed tale. The following are simply the basic details. The goddess Venus is jealous because Psyche is more beautiful than she is. Venus tells her son Cupid to shoot Psyche with an arrow and have her fall in love with a vile creature. Cupid accidentally shoots himself and falls in love with Psyche. Later, Psyche is too beautiful to marry a mortal man. Her parents leave her on a mountaintop where she is to find love. The west wind carries her to a palace. Here, her expected groom (Cupid) arrives every night. They sleep together. Cupid doesn’t allow her to see him. Her sisters convince her to see him while he sleeps. He wakes up and realizes. He flees. Psyche appeals to Venus. Venus doesn’t approve of Psyche, but sets tests for Venus. If she passes, she can have Cupid. Psyche passes most tests. Cupid forgives her. He convinces Jupiter to allow them to marry. Psyche is transformed into a Goddess.

Conflict and significance: Man V. Self. As far as Psyche is concerned, she isn’t allowed to find peace and love until she summons the courage to pass Venus’s tests. As Cupid is concerned (Man v. Self) he needs to mature if he is to find love. Also God V. God and (wo)man with Venus against Cupid and Psyche.

Commentary: This story seems rather flawed, even with all of the details not included here. First off, why doesn’t Cupid allow Psyche to see him? Also, when Psyche is faced with the tasks from Venus, why do others such as the ants and the random voices assist her so much? Also, what makes Psyche so worthy? She fails the tests and Cupid has to help her when she falls asleep after opening the box from the underworld. Clearly she learned nothing from Pandora. This reminds me of Beauty and the Beast. It isn’t the same over all, but B+B definitely was influenced by Cupid’s palace. || []
 * Kelsey McGrail || Joseph, His Brothers, and the Coat of Many Colors || ** Source ** : Bible (Old Testament)


 * Summary:** Joseph was Jacob’s 11th and favorite son. When Jacob presented him with the coat of many colors, Joseph’s brothers were extremely envious, so they decided to seek revenge. They plotted against Joseph and would’ve killed him if one brother, Reuben, hadn’t stopped them. He convinced them to throw Joseph into a pit, planning to secretly rescue him later. However, while Reuben wasn’t around, the others dragged Joseph up and sold him to the Midianite merchants. They then dipped the coat in goat blood and told their father that wild beasts had killed Joseph. However, Joseph had a lot of success in Egypt, for some time as a dream interpreter. A famine came when he predicted, and his brothers came to Egypt to buy some of the nation’s supplies. Eventually they recognized Joseph, who had the power to imprison or execute them, but he forgave them for what they had done.


 * Source of Conflict:** This story represents an obvious man v. man conflict. The main issue is that which all of Joseph’s brothers have with him because their father likes him the best. Their intense jealousy fuels them to treat him poorly and disregard the fact that Joseph is first and foremost their brother.


 * Commentary:** As is seen in many stories, the main theme in this story is that jealousy is blinding and destructive. Jacob’s brothers are so obsessed with their resentment for Jacob that they’re willing to do anything to get rid of him so that he can’t outshine them. This theme is obvious in so many stories, dating all the way back to Shakespeare’s times, probably because it’s timeless and universally relatable. //Othello// is a classic representation of the viciousness of jealousy, and we see that in the measures that the envious Iago goes to in order to destroy Othello and his success. ||
 * Marie Ronda || Rescue of the Child Moses || Source: Bible (Exodus 1-2)

Summary: The King of Egypt, “The Pharaoh,” thought that there were too many foreigners taking over Egypt, especially Israelites, and it was starting to become a problem. Originally, the Pharaoh decided to make the Israelites work excruciatingly hard, from sunrise to sunset, so there would be no time for them to have children; but this did not solve the problem. He then announced that every Israelite boy born was to be thrown into the Nile, therefore they would drown and it would no longer be an issue. One couple had a girl and then a boy and the couple loved their son so much that they tried hiding him so they did not have to throw him into the Nile. The mother decided that eventually someone was going to find out, so she placed him in a basket and put him in the river. Later that day, the Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing in the Nile and found the little boy. She decided to help him by taking him out of the water because she felt sorry for him and she gave him a home. When the child grew older, the woman took him back to the Pharaoh’s daughter and the child became her son. She named him Moses because she “drew him out of water.”

Conflict and Significance: This is an example of a man vs. man conflict because the Egyptians were threatened by the Hebrews, which caused the Pharaoh to want to kill them off. This is significant because it demonstrates how man has gone against himself since the beginning of time. Conflict between man has been a problem since the beginning of time.

Commentary:

The main theme of this story is the irony of the Pharaoh’s family taking in a Hebrew baby boy even though the Pharaoh is ordering them dead. Even though there is this man vs. man conflict, the fact that she took in the baby, shows that there is hope in the world for overcoming hatred and racism. I think it is really powerful how the daughter stood up for what she believed in and what she felt was right even though it did not go with what her father was ordering. An example of this is in the movie //Hairspray,// where Tracy fights for the desegregation of black people. She is going against the white authorities, even when she is put in prison she strongly believes in unity for everyone. ||
 * Megan Breitenbach || The Burning Bush || **Source:** The Bible (Exodus 3:1-15)

====The oppression of the Israelites under the control of the Egyptians and Pharaoh lasts for a while and leads to the event of the burning bush, an object located on Mount Sinai where God appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The bush was on fire but not consumed by the flames, hence the name of this particular Bible passage. God is calling out to Moses through the burning bush. This is the beginning of God's direct intervention into historical events. God first tells Moses to take off his sandals since he is now on holy ground. He then calls for Moses to return to Egypt as Israel's deliverer. Moses is instructed to go back to Egypt and the Pharaoh and to deliver God's people from their oppression and bring them back to Israel. In order to do so, Moses will approach Pharaoh and ask if the Israelites can go into the desert for three days in order to worship God. Moses, of course, hesitates because he could not offer the Pharaoh any physical proof that God had spoken to him, making him question if anyone would listen to him or not. Finally, Moses ran out of excuses, bowed his head and accepted his role as God's chosen one. ====
 * Summary:**

The main conflict in this Bible passage is man vs. self and man vs. Divine. Moses is questioning himself and God in this passage. Scared and intimidated, Moses falls to his knees and can't even look at the burning bush directly because he is terrified of God. Moses even states “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He has self doubt that the people of Egypt, especially Pharaoh, will listen to a man who has lived out in the desert for forty years. People are never to doubt God; he is the Almighty and knows what is best for His people. Moses has to get past the fact that people might not listen to him, and have faith in God.
 * Conflict:**

This is an important Bible passage because some of the Israelites are beginning to rely on Egyptian Gods rather than the Almighty Father himself. For example, when Moses asks God who should he say sent him, God says “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” To restore faith in God and free his people, God is sending a messenger, Moses, to free them. The "I AM" is the God that exists and does so independently, over anyone or anything else. The phrase "I AM" is used several other times in the Bible through some of Jesus' teachings in order to show people who have, or are in the process, of losing faith that there is a Divine being, God. ||
 * Commentary:**
 * Alex Brown || The Passover || Source: The Book of Exodus (Information obtained fromhttp://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/The-Passover-Pesach-Story.htm)//

//Summery:// //On Gods command, Moses goes to demand the Hebrew slaves freedom from pharaoh who refuses. God then sends ten plagues on Egypt. First, all of the water turns to blood in Egypt. Second, massive frogs swarm the lands of Egypt. Third, massive amounts of gnats invade Egyptian homes to plague the people. Forth, wild animals cause destruction and havoc throughout Egypt. Fifth, all of the Egyptian livestock is cut down and killed. Sixth, painful boils plague the Egyptian people. Seventh, hail destroys Egyptian crop and beats down upon the people. The eighth is that locusts devour any remaining crop. The ninth is that the sun does not rise for three days. The final plague is the death of all firstborn sons of Egypt. This plague does not affect the Hebrews, who marked their homes with lamb’s blood on the doorways, so the Angel of Death passes over them. Pharaoh relents and lets the Hebrews go. They left so quickly that they did not have time to allow the bread to rise, instead eating it unleavened, called matzah.//

//Conflict://

//The main conflict here is Man vs Divine. God is punishing the Egyptians because they have enslaved the Hebrews, who are God’s chosen people. When they refuse to listen to God’s messenger, Moses, he punishes them with ten plagues to show his might and power, and force them to comply with his wishes.//

//Commentary://

//A very important theme in this story is divine punishment. God punishes those who refuse to listen to his will, yet protects those that are faithful and good, like the Hebrews. God is to be both respected and feared. Another important theme in this story is an eye for an eye. The Egyptians kill all of the newborn males of the Hebrew slaves, so God takes an equal punishment and kills the firstborn sons of the Egyptians. God shows that slavery is wrong and not to be tolerated, and that those who do will be punished.// ||
 * Alexis Doucette || Passage through the Red Sea || **Source**: The Bible.(Book of Exodus 13:17-14:29)

God instructed Moses to lead the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the land of Canaan. The Egyptian Pharaoh, who had claimed that he was a god, agrees to their departure and they begin their journey led by a pillar of clouds during the day and a pillar of fire at night. They reach the town of Etham on the edge of the desert and then God instructs them to turn back and set up camp next to the sea at Pi-hahiroth. God had the pharaoh pursue the Israelites with chariots. Since the Israelites were next to the ocean and could not escape by land, they felt trapped. God told Moses to hold his staff out over the water. There was a strong eastern wind that divided the sea throughout the night, which allowed the Israelites to pass through with walls of water on both sides of their path. The pharaoh and chariots continued to pursue the Israelites. Once they were in the middle of the sea, God clogged the wheels of their chariots and allowed the water to return to its normal place. This caused the pharaoh and his army to be destroyed and allowed the Israelites to escape to Canaan.
 * Summary**:

This story is an example of a man vs. man conflict. The Egyptians are pursuing the Israelites, who were there former slaves who escaped from Egypt. There is also a man vs. God conflict. God is upset with the Egyptians, mainly the Pharaoh who claimed that he was a god, so he destroyed the Egyptians and their army.
 * Conflict and Significance**:

God was upset that the Egyptians had enslaved his followers, the Israelites, and that the Pharaoh of Egypt had claimed that he was a god, so he had the Israelite slaves flee from Egypt to the land of Canaan. In addition, he destroyed the Pharaoh’s army and killed the Pharaoh himself. The moral of the story of the Passage through the Red Sea is that you should not claim to be equal to God because it will upset God and he will, in return, punish you for it. ||
 * Commentary**:
 * Victoria Bellmay || Midas and the Golden Touch || **Source:** Greek Mythology

King Midas was very rich and famous king who was consumed with greed. His only desire in life was to become richer. One day an old satyr came to visit Midas’ palace. Midas knew he was a friend of the god Dionysus, so he was extremely kind and caring toward the old satyr. Dionysus was very happy with him and decided to grant him one wish. Midas wished that everything he would touch turned to gold. He was very happy with himself as he went around touching the walls of his palace and turning them into gold. It wasn’t until he tried to eat something that he had a problem: the food he would touch also turned into gold. He asked Dionysus to take it back, but he said to bathe in a river. Midas tried to do this, but the river also turned to gold.
 * Summary:**

This is an example of a man vs. himself conflict. Midas’ situation is unfortunate because his greed surpasses his knowledge. If he thought about what he was asking for before he asked for it, he would have been more specific about what he wanted.
 * Conflict:**

King Midas is a classic example of why people should be careful for what they wish for. He was impatient and greedy instead of being level headed, which caused him to be in an irreversible situation in the end. Another theme that can be pulled from this story is to think before speaking. Had he thought about what he was wishing for a little more carefully, he would have specified with saying “I want everything I touch to turn to gold except for food, water, toilet paper, etc.” ||
 * Commentary:**
 * Jessica Stanton || Arachne and Athena || **Source:** Greek Mythology, Ovid's Metamorphosis


 * Summary:** Arachne was a mortal who could weave beautifully, people would say that Athena must have taught her. She would deny this then one day she challenged Athena, Athena heard of this and so she went to Arachne in the form of an old woman to try and dissuade her, but Arachne didn't take her advice so Athena removed her disguise. The contest began and both woman began to weave their webs with great skill. Athena filled her web with picture of failed mortals, while Arachne filled her web with pictures of failed Gods. Athena became indignant at seeing her web, so she broke Arachne's and then caused her to feel her guilt and shame. Arachne couldn't take it so she hung herself, but Athena pitied her so Athena sprinkled her with the juices of aconite, which made her hair, ears, and nose fall off, her body to shrink and her fingers turned into legs, her body and her decedents to spin webs for the rest of their lives.

Man vs. man, Athena vs. Arachne, Arachne challenged Athena, and although Athena is a god, she is still a person. Arachne shouldn't challenged a higher authority than her, and despite her great skill, this led to her demise.
 * Conflict:**

This myth really upsets me, not because of Arachne's behavior, but because of Athena's**.** Even though Athena was a god, Arachne did have the weaving skill to match her own, and it was clear that they were equally matched, but then Arachne lost and even killed herself, because Athena was offended that someone would challenge her, match her skill, and mock her and the other gods. To me this is similar to when someone higher up on the "food-chain" bullies someone who is younger or lesser than themselves, because they challenge their authority or are better than them at something, for example, when a student corrects a teacher, the teacher will usually believe that only they are right and not even think that the student could possibly be right. ||
 * Commentary:**
 * Samantha Figueroa || Daedalus and Icarus || ** Source: ** Greek Mythology

Daedalus and Icarus is a tale about a father and son. While, the tale is mythological it is also somewhat historical. In Crete, Daedalus was asked by King Minos to design the Minoan Palace of Knossos, which still stands in Greece today and is one of the most impressive architectural sites in the country. Apparently the relationship between the King and Daedalus began to diminish when he helped a man named Theseus escape from the Kings’ infamous Labyrinth. The Labyrinth was a maze built by Daedalus where the King imprisoned enemies. Since Daedalus betrayed the King he trapped him with his son in the Labyrinth. Daedalus developed a plan and built wax-wings for him and his son to escape. The wings work after he trains his son Icarus how to fly. He warns Icarus not to fly to close to the sun; however his son disobeyed him. Icarus’ wings eventually melted and he fell into the sea and died.
 * Summary: **


 * Conflict: **

The tale of Daedalus and Icarus illustrates man vs. man. While in the beginning it is Daedalus vs. King Minos, then it is Daedalus vs. Icarus. It is the classical example of the old adage, “parents know best.” Simply, Icarus chose not to listen to his father and paid for it.


 * Commentary: **

Daedalus and Icarus represent a very common and well-known conflict; the innate desire to disobey our parents and our elders. Icarus was defiant against his father and it ultimately cost him his life. The lesson in the tale is mainly that our elders are much wiser than we are, whether we choose to accept it or not. The second main theme is that we must resist the urges of our temptations because most often they are dangerous and risky. Icarus let his love of the sun cloud his judgment and take his life. These two themes are prevalent in many other works, particularly in the old Biblical story of Adam and Eve, //Eve gave into her temptations and did not die however she was severely punished. Our desires often affect our judgment and we must learn how to overcome these temptations.// ||
 * Brett Lewbel || Orpheus and Eurydice || Source: Greek Mythology

Summary: Orpheus’s most well-known story is the death of his wife Eurydice and her temporary return to life. While walking in tall grass at her wedding, she found herself face to face with a satyr who tried to attack her. In her efforts to escape, she fell into a nest of vipers and was mortally bit on the heel. Her body was discovered by Orpheus who, overcome with grief, played such lugubrious songs that even the gods sobbed. On their advice, Orpheus travelled to the underworld and used mournful music to persuade Hades and Persephone to resurrect Eurdyice so that she and Orpheus could be together on the earth once more. The only condition was that Orpheus must not look at her until they fully left the underworld, but his anxiety got the better of him and he looked at Eurydice before he was allowed to, causing her to disappear forever.

Conflict and Significance: The conflict here is man versus self as Orpheus is forced to deal with his own intense grief after Eurydice’s death. Though he tries to secure her resurrection, his own anxiety and impatience ultimately ruins the plan and he is forced to admit that his beloved wife is gone forever.

Commentary: We all have to deal with the death of someone we deeply and truly love, so we can all sympathize with Orpheus’s despair after his beloved Eurydice was so violently killed. Orpheus displayed a very typical and very human reaction when he desperately tried to get Eurydice back. As Orpheus unfortunately discovers, when someone we love dies they are gone for eternity and there is really no chance of ever seeing them again, and even in the realm of myth something can go wrong (and did here) to prevent that person from returning for very long or even at all. || The Bible, Book of Judges: Chapters 13-16
 * Eric Schroeder || Samson and the Philistines || **Source**:

An angel came to a barren Israeli woman to tell her she would conceive. The catch was that the son would become a Nazirite. He could never cut his hair, or drink alcohol, in order to better devote himself to God. God blessed the son, Samson, with strength because of his devotion. As an adult, he fell in love with a Philistine woman, but was unable to marry her when she was married off to another. An angered Samson burned the Philistine’s crops and slaughtered Philistine soldiers with a donkey’s jawbone. The Philistines hired Delilah, Samson’s new love interest to cut his hair when she learned that his strength would go away. They were able to blind Samson and force him to grind grain. When his hair grew back, God granted him strength once more, and Samson used it to destroy and temple along with himself and the Philistines.
 * Summary:**

Man vs. Man- Vengeance and anger between the Philistines and Samson led to violence. Samson shouldn’t have trusted Delilah with his biggest secret. Man vs. God - Samson is granted strength through his devotion, but that strength is taken away when his hair is cut. The issues with the Philistines stemmed from God’s punishment with Israelites.
 * Conflict:**

There was a lot going on in this story and it can be difficult to see who was in the wrong here. While it is nice to see that such intense devotion to God as becoming a Nazirite is rewarded, it is just as upsetting to see God leave Samson when his hair is cut. Of course, Samson should have had self-control and more wariness. If he controlled his anger with the Philistines after he lost his first love he wouldn’t have gotten into so much trouble. However, I feel that God’s actions caused much more violence than was necessary. ||
 * Commentary:**
 * Baron Kim || Paris and the Golden Apples || Source: http://www.pantheon.org/articles/p/paris.html

Summary: When Paris was born, it was foretold that he would cause the downfall of Troy, so he was sent out to Mount Ida. Then, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite claimed a golden apple thrown by Eris, and they could not decide who should receive it. In turn, they asked Zeus to decide which one of them would receive the golden apple. Zeus could not decide, however, so he went to Mount Ida and asked Paris to decide. Hera offered Paris power, Athena offered wisdom and luck in battle, and Aphrodite offered him his body and the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen. Paris chose Aphrodite’s offer, and Aphrodite helped him break in to Menelaus’s palace in Greece to kidnap Helen. Paris brought her back to Troy, and consequently his actions infuriated Greece and started the Trojan War.

Conflict: There’s man vs. man conflict between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, who try to convince Paris to choose them to receive the golden apple. Also, there ‘s man vs. self conflict, because Paris doesn’t know which offer to choose. He chooses Aphrodite, which unfortunately causes Troy’s downfall.

Commentary: One of the themes of the story is the power of revenge. Menelaus was furious that Paris stole Helen from him that he was willing to wage a full out war to get her back. Paris did not think about the fact that Menelaus would want to get revenge on him. Another theme is the harmful effects lust can have. Paris merely thought about his own love he had for Helen, and this wound up getting Troy destroyed. It was interesting to learn about why Helen ran off with Paris because it has a connection to The Penelopiad.// ||
 * Carlie Cattelona || Book of Ruth || [|Source] The Hebrew Bible

__Summary__ During a famine Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons Mahlin and Chilion move from Israel to Moab. Soon after Elimelech dies and the sons are married to women named Ruth and Orpah. When the two sons die, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Orpah leaves upon request, but Ruth stays with Naomi and adapts to her culture. The women meet Boaz, who takes pity on Ruth because of her loyalty. Being a close friend to the family, Boaz is required to marry Ruth. Ruth and Naomi hatch a plan to make Boaz believe he has slept with Ruth while drunk, but the plan unfortunately fails when Boaz wakes to find Ruth sneaking into his room. He refuses to take advantage of her, but says he will redeem her with marriage if he receives approval to do so. He does, when the other male relative declines the marriage. Boaz and Ruth bare sons.

__Conflict__ This story represents man vs. society conflict. Ruth is faced with the option to leave Naomi behind, but instead follows tradition and assimilates into a new culture and religion. She also must find care for herself and Naomi to ensure that she marries Boaz and their estate is not lost.

__Commentary__ The theme of this story is integrity, and loyalty. While Orpah abandons Naomi, Ruth follows through with proper tradition and promises to stay with her and adapt to her lifestyle. Ruth is also determined to find a way to care for herself and Naomi and to make sure their estate isn’t lost. Ruth’s loyalty is rewarded by her meet up with Boaz, who takes pity on her. Boaz also shows integrity and loyalty to tradition by refusing to take advantage of Ruth before any sort of marriage. He even ensures that there is no other conflict before eventually marrying her. ||
 * || Perseus and Medusa ||  ||
 * || Jesus and Lazarus ||  ||
 * || David and Goliath ||  ||
 * || The Prodigal Son ||  ||
 * || Judas/Kiss of Death ||  ||
 * || Good Samaritan ||  ||