Exam Essay Questions

1) Using the definitions we studied in class, do you consider As You Like It to be a Shakespearean masterpiece or simply a Shakespearean classic? Support your answer with examples from the play and quotes from literary analysis.

2) Explain how it was possible for J.K. Rowling to have been influenced by the Apocryphal childhood of Jesus in creating the character of Harry Potter. Use examples from the New Testament Apocrypha and quotes from literary analysis in your answer.

3) On November 28, 2010, the Palestinian Ministry of Information published an article denying Israel's Jewish connection to the Western Wall. It claims the wall is an integral part of the mosque and suggests that Israel falsely "claims ownership of" the wall. In your opinion, who does the wall belong to, and how can this argument be settled peacefully? Use Dr. Dunlap’s lecture, the National Geographic article or other historical source, and current expert opinions in your answer.

4) Explain the difference between the terms “Apocalypse” and “Armageddon” (in the Biblical sense). Choose one film or novel that you feel has been influenced by these concepts and explain this influence using examples from the work and quotes from literary analysis.

5) Explain why the Borges story “Death and the Compass” is or is not a successful piece of traditional detective fiction. Use quotes from the short story and quotes from literary analysis in your answer.

6) You may present a topic of your choice based on what we have studied so far this year on Monday only (or emailed to me over the weekend). After Monday, you are limited to the topics above.

For homework on Tuesday, turn in one, two, or three articles (or excerpts) that you plan to use in your mid-term essay. Make sure the articles are stapled and your name is on each one. I will return these articles to you on the day of the exam. You may not bring any other information to the exam day. I suggest that you formulate your outline ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to write a complete essay with introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion. You will be required to use internal citations in your essay, but you will not have to create a Works Cited page.