AP English Lit - Biblical and Greek Allusions

Summarize the Creation story from Genesis 1.

God creates light, the firmament, land, vegetation, celestial bodies, sea creatures, birds, and land animals, culminating in the creation of humans in His image, symbolizing goodness and sovereignty.

Summarize the story of The Fall of Adam and Eve.

Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent, leading to their disobedience and expulsion, resulting in shame, mortality, and separation from God, with themes of temptation, free will, and consequences.

Summarize the story of Cain and Abel.

Cain murders Abel out of jealousy, leading to his punishment and exile, marked with divine protection ensuring his survival, symbolizing sin, jealousy, and divine justice.

Summarize the story of Noah's Ark and the Flood.

God decides to flood the Earth due to humanity's corruption, saving Noah and his family in an ark, followed by a covenant symbolized by the rainbow, promising never to destroy the Earth again.

Summarize the story of Abraham and Isaac.

God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, but intervenes, reaffirming His promise and blessing Abraham's descendants, symbolizing faith, obedience, and divine intervention.

Summarize the Annunciation to Joseph.

The angel announces Jesus' birth to Joseph via a dream, explaining the child's divine conception and role as savior (Immanuel - God with us).

Summarize the Nativity story.

Jesus is born in a manger in Bethlehem, with angels announcing the birth to shepherds and wise men presenting gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh), symbolizing humility, worship, and Jesus' roles as king, priest, and sacrifice.

Summarize the Raising of Lazarus.

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection, inspiring faith and symbolizing hope and new life.

Summarize the events of the Last Supper.

At the Last Supper, Jesus predicts betrayal and denial, institutes the Eucharist, washes the disciples' feet, and gives a farewell message of love, symbolizing sacrifice, remembrance, and humility.

Summarize the Betrayal and Denial of Jesus.

Judas betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, leading to Jesus' arrest, while Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting themes of betrayal, guilt, and human weakness.

Summarize the Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus is tried before Pilate, wrongly accused, and ultimately crucified at Golgotha, where He dies, accompanied by supernatural events. The veil is torn, symbolizing the freedom of humanity, removing the divide between God and humanity.

Summarize the Resurrection of Jesus.

Women discover the empty tomb and encounter angels, Mary Magdalene meets the resurrected Jesus, and disciples on the road to Emmaus recognize Him in the breaking of bread, symbolizing victory over death and new life.

Summarize the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

A Samaritan shows compassion to an injured man, teaching that neighborly love transcends societal boundaries and emphasizing mercy and action, and inspires the lawyer to 'Go and do likewise'.

Summarize the story of David and Goliath.

David, a young shepherd, defeats the giant Goliath with faith and a sling, symbolizing courage, faith, and the triumph of good over evil in the face of impossible odds.

Summarize the story of Achilles.

Achilles is a near-invincible warrior in the Trojan War, known for his vulnerability in the heel, his rage over Patroclus's death, and his ultimate demise by an arrow to his weak spot, symbolizing pride, fate, and human vulnerability.

Summarize the story of Daedalus and Icarus.

Daedalus creates wings for himself and his son Icarus to escape imprisonment, but Icarus flies too close to the sun and falls to his death, symbolizing the dangers of hubris and the importance of heeding wisdom.

Summarize the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Orpheus attempts to retrieve his deceased wife Eurydice from the Underworld but loses her forever when he looks back, symbolizing the power and fragility of love, fate, and the depths of grief.

Summarize the myth of Heracles (Hercules).

Heracles (Hercules) demonstrates extraordinary strength through his Twelve Labors, showcasing heroism, perseverance, and the struggle against human weakness and external challenges.

Summarize the adventures of Odysseus.

Odysseus is known for his cunning and resilience, facing various challenges on his long journey home after the Trojan War, symbolizing intellect, perseverance, and the quest for home and identity.

Summarize the myth of Persephone.

Persephone is abducted by Hades, becoming Queen of the Underworld, but returns to Earth for part of the year, explaining the cycle of seasons and symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.

Summarize the story of Prometheus.

Prometheus steals fire from Olympus and gives it to humanity, enabling civilization but incurring Zeus's wrath, symbolizing rebellion, sacrifice, and advancement of humanity.

Summarize the myths of Aphrodite.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, influences relationships, desires, and conflicts, playing a role in the Trojan War and symbolizing love, beauty, and seduction.

Summarize the story of Agamemnon.

Agamemnon's sacrifice of Iphigenia and subsequent murder lead to a cycle of vengeance, exploring themes of power, fate, justice, and family loyalty in war.

Summarize the story of Psyche and Eros.

Psyche endures trials set by Aphrodite to win back Eros's love, ultimately gaining immortality and symbolizing love, trust, redemption, and overcoming envy.

Summarize the story of Narcissus

Echo's unrequited love for Narcissus leads to her fading away, while Narcissus's self-obsession results in his death and transformation into a flower, symbolizing unrequited love, self-obsession, and the destructive nature of vanity.