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Honors English I Summer AssignmentThe following will need to be completed before the first day of class:Read the abridged version of the “Iliad” by Ian Johnston if you wish, you can read the entirety of the Iliad on Project Guttenberg annotations (make notes/explanations of text as you read). This can be done in a dialectical journal (example attached) or on a hard copy of the text.Write a 2-3 page essay using MLA format on one of the following topics:For MLA format: (see )Option 1 – Using Aristotle’s Conception of the Tragic Hero, prove that Achilles fulfills his role in this epic as the hero. Use specific instances in the books that we have read. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero is a good man of high status who displays a tragic flaw (pride or anger) and experiences a dramatic reversal (change in behavior – could be Achilles’ refusal to fight or his ruthlessness later in the epic) as well as an intense moment of recognition (Book 24).For more information, go here… Option 2 – The Greeks in their philosophy, literature, art, and architecture believed in the concept of maintaining balance. The plot of The Iliad hinges on a lack of balance (between Achilles and Agamemnon? Between Troy and the Greeks? Between mortals and gods?). In your essay, examine how and why Homer manipulates this concept of balance. Option 3 - Anger is a major theme in the epic. Discuss how Homer develops this theme. Which characters exemplify anger? How and why do these characters change? What lessons do they learn? What is Homer’s point about anger?Be sure to have your annotations and essay on the first day of class. If you have any questions pertaining to the assignment, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at mkeith@Sincerely,Michael KeithEnglish IDialectical Journal Example:Dialectical Journal for Harrison BergeronBy Kurt Vonnegut Jr.Author Info:Vonnegut was a satiristUsually focuses on war, brutality, and fear of technology.Writes with dark humor and elements of fantasy and even absurditySatire Definition: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issuesCitationsAnnotations“…everybody was finally equal.” (Vonnegut 38)“…equal before God and the law.” (Vonnegut 38)“Some things about living still weren’t quite right, though. April, for instance, still drove people crazy by not being springtime.” (Vonnegut 38)“…H-G men took George and Hazel Bergeron’s fourteen-year-old son, Harrison, away. It was tragic…” (Vonnegut 38)“tears on Hazel’s cheeks…”(Vonnegut 38)“…mental handicap…buzzer sounded in George’s head. His thoughts fled in panic, like bandits from a burglar alarm.” (Vonnegut 38)”They weren’t really very good—no better than anybody else would have been, anyway.” (Vonnegut 38)“They were burdened…” (Vonnegut 38)“… (ballerinas) faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in.” (Vonnegut 40)“George winced…Haze saw him wince.” (Vonnegut 40)Overview and Impressions of the story at this point.Considering Vonnegut satirical reputation, the idea that everybody is equal is an example of hyperbole and understanding that society cannot achieve full equality.Explains the extent of equality. God is infallible and equality can be ensured. Law on the other hand is in the hands of man. Though the law itself may state a status of equality, the abuse of power by man can corrupt the law and thus cause it to be ineffective.As humanity aspires to achieve a utopian society, we still find faults and reasons for complaint. Thus the idea of a utopian society is ironic because it can never be achieved in the sense of humanity as a whole. One person’s utopia may very well be different from another’s. Thus the concept can never be reached.Irony persists as the utopian society, the idea that everyone is equal is already twisted with the diction choice of “tragic”Irony is used throughout the short story to convey the lack of happiness one expects in a utopian society. First, to understand that equality is achieved through government oversight. Rights are infringed upon to achieve the utopian society. The freedom to think, something that appears so commonplace, is considered a risk factor. Secondly, to understand that in order to have this world of equality, someone or something must oversee the process of keeping order and equality. Meaning that not “everybody” is equal.Vonnegut uses a simile to compare the process of thinking to the act of burglary, a crime. The act of independent thought is considered a crime in this utopian society. Equality may be achieved, but diversity has been eliminated. This fact contributes to the satirical nature of the literature. In reality, we understand that our diverse natures, are unique attributes and capabilities are what make our society functional and durable.Diction: Again, the use of the word burdened conflicts with the intent of a utopian society. In addition to independent thought, emotions and differences are also considered to be problematic. The goal of this utopian society is to limit freedom and eliminate the basic nature of mankind, the innate emotional drive within each person.Diction: Another example of the imperfections of the utopian society established by Vonnegut. Must note that the imperfections are intentional to establish the satirical nature of the literature.Vonnegut is creating a general criticism of humanity by establishing the various fallacies (equal society, lasting happiness, complete health and wellness) surrounding utopian societies. He is using the limitation of human freedoms through George and Hazel to convey to the readers the human inability to achieve a utopian society. Another thought however, focuses on the fears which humanity has in regard to technologies that could lead us closer to a utopian like society. ................
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