Literature is Important to Life

INTEGRATIVE PAPER

Sakeena Sogren | DCC215.02 |Professor Stoller

 The Crash

As the Delta College association first year students were on a plane

heading to Australia and New Zealand for spring break, there was a loud

abrupt sound and from the window view it was clear to see the plane was

falling. As the plane fell, the oxygen mask compartment opened but some

were jammed. The flight attendant tried to help unjam them with a huge

hammer when she tripped and the hammer flew through the window sucking

her and a few of the people on the closest seats out. As the gap from the

window got bigger it grabbed a few more people that had failed to listen to

the fairly simple seat buckling instructions. Moments later, the plane stopped

when it plummeted into a coconut tree.

The remaining people were fairly injured, recollecting everything that

just happened. Then Sakeena shouted, Doctor Stoller is missing! As it

would have occurred he was one of the 15 people to be sucked out the

window. Madeline consoled Sakeena, as she panicked that he was the only

one that would know what to do, saying, Maybe he left something behind in

his suitcase. John opened it to find nothing but the books they had read

about and studied in Human Heritage. Tianna cursed Doctor Stoller for the

ironically humorous circumstance. Then debate started to stir of whether to

burn the books or to keep them. Jesse, the peacekeeper of the group,

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decided half of the books should kept and the other half should be used as

fire burner.

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 Works of Literature
1. Enuma Elish, L.W. King Translator, 1902
1100 BCE

2. The Epic of Gilgamesh, Andrew George Translator,

2003
600-1200 BCE

3. The Instructions of Little Pepi on His Way to School,

J.L. Foster Translator, 2001
3000 BCE

4. The Wisdoms of Amenemopet, Lange and Griffith

Translators, 1925
1292 - 1075 BCE

5. The Genesis Prologue, The Jewish Publication Society

Translator, 1985
13001075 BCE

6. The Story of Moses, The Jewish Publication Society

Translator, 1985
13001075 BCE

7. The Trial and Death of Socrates, Plato, G. Grube

Translator, 2000 399 BC

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 Enuma Elish

Enuma Elish the historical epic about how the earth was created using

elements of one god to create another until there were humans. The humans

being the lowest on the rank of importance, technically being slaves. The

Babylonian authority used this work to persuade the general public that

rebellion is not permitted in the society by alluding they could be punished

and or replaced.

The Babylonian cultural aspect could be incorporated in keeping

people from self-centering themselves, by creating an underlying feeling in

themselves that they are here to serve the gods. This gives them a purpose

which creates order in the society. There was also an underlying message of

unity in the epic when it describes, Tiamat the salt water god created the sky

with her elements. This can be perceived as a clue that in order to function

or to exist there needs to be collaboration. Therefore, egotism would not

work in any aspect of the civilization.

In our newly formed society this text could lend a hand in establishing

order and peace. As well as, diversifying the types of literature we would

have in our archives. Enuma Elish would be a remarkable selection in the

value it has to serve to the community.

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 Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh the epic poem that laid the foundation for

further literature would serve to be highly important considering how it was

imitated in multiple forms. Journey was a prominent theme and the journey

of life was explored. The poem shows humans at their emotional extremes

and gives them ground to conform to civilization.

The diverse themes and complex characters create great examples. As

the poem goes through many events and has the characters develop

different emotions. Gilgamesh experiences extreme rage and sadness, these

are common feelings of humans. The story becomes relatable and helps the

readers to get a greater sense of why we feel the way they do sometimes.

This makes it acceptable to feel several emotions because it is human

nature, but recommends finding a stable which for Gilgamesh would have

been his loyal companion Enkidu. Also through having Enkidu die we

understand we are mortal and it is unescapable. Therefore, we should be

content with that aspect of the future.

It would be an entertaining book that should be stored and could be

read leisurely. The epic could be referenced when the public are going

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through relatable situations such as dying, sadness and/or anger. The Epic of

Gilgamesh is a distinctive piece of literature that has significance.

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 Little Pepi on His Way to School

The Instructions of Little Pepi on His Way to School was an Egyptian

instruction, the father instructs his son, Pepi to become a scriber. He

encourages little Pepi to become an intellectual. The father makes

reasonable arguments such as scribing being a high status occupation with

good pay and living standards.

Although the way, Kheti, Pepi's father presents this advice is perceived

as degrading to other occupations, since he considers farmers, carvers and

more to have less significance roles because they are not furthering the

society. His views are controversial but if presented to the correct audience it

would be more suitable and useful. The benefits that would come from

learning to scribe would be to have a life fulfilled with reading, writing and

learning. In order to be a scribe one would have to start early to be devoted

to the role, a few of the selected youth in the community would learn it the

same time they learn to read. The benefit perceived for these individuals is

they would not have to worry because the rest of their problems would be

comparatively taken care of, if they focus on the information they are given

or make for themselves. It invokes one to follow the education devoted path.

There would be a necessity for scribers for the community to have a

written account of the events that happen and to set a foundation for future

reference. It would most likely be used for the children to push them towards

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enlightenment. As farmers and carvers are important as well there would

surely need to be some people to be scribers that would need to fulfil this

requirement for a society.

Wisdom of Amenemopet

The Wisdoms of Amenemopet is an inspiring instruction that

expresses a need to help others and do the right things. The message that

comes across is clear that morals establish a good way of living.

The Wisdom of Amenemopet has so much to help cultivate the newly

formed society. It has a great set of moral codes for the citizens to follow and

develop. It teaches to respect elders, help others in need and to be

respectful. Perhaps the most helpful would be Avoiding Trouble-Making

which tells one to speak and act, mannerly. Also, the format is fairly simple to

follow such that in time of need the problem is written out to fit ones specific

need and lends a hand. If someone does not know what to do with their

enemies they could look to find the steps to follow. The instructions seeks to

improve society by avoiding conflict, which is as close to being the most

productive with life that any philosopher has come up with, yet. This seems

to provide truth to those who look for it and since we all seek truth, the

Wisdom of Amenemopet provides the answers we are looking for.

The Wisdom of Anemenopet would serve to a consoling book, one

could look to it for advice or to gain morality. The length and structure make

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the instructions fairly easy to read. Therefore, it would not be a heavy task

for all to accept the knowledge provided in this instruction.

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 Genesis: Prologue

The Prologue of Genesis is a highly recognized story of how the earth

was created. It includes the earth being formed in 7 day and having two

people: Adam and Eve be placed on the land to enjoy life through listening to

H.G. However, the story turns very sour once Adam and Eve the ancestors to

all humans make the mistake of listening to a serpent and eating the apple

from the Tree of Knowledge, being the first form of sin that lead later humans

to sin.

There are several lessons that could be learned from this body of work

and it can be read and interpreted in multiple ways. It is significant that we

should aim to listen to the God or Gods because they had a purpose for us

and by us not listening we are not harming them but ourselves. Some may

take from this that it is okay to sin because it is justified and we all will

sometimes in our lives. It could also serve use to teach it as the story has

been taught to us that avoiding temptation because it leads to evil. The

multiple interpretations leaves many perspectives which is important,

keeping an open-mind diffuses conflict and leaves people to believe the

imaginable.

The Genesis: Prologue dates back further than the rest of the books

being written in the 10th century. It provides earlier thoughts that are not too

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far off track from our modern day understanding. It is as entertaining, as it is

a short lengthen read.

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 Story of Moses

The Story of Moses is a biblical story take from the Hebrew Bible. In

the Story of Moses, the hugely ironic story recalling the historical context

when the Egyptians would kill male Hebrew babies. However, this plot does

not go exactly to plan when the Egyptian ruler takes Moses in as his own son

and Moses is chosen as part of a revolution that destroys the Egyptian

Empire.

This story could be used to instill the belief in the individuals that there

is a god and if you follow his commandments he will deliver us from evil.

Moses was a notable prophet by playing a significant part in changing the

course of history, by freeing the Israelites and bring them to the Promised

Land (land promised by god) creating the new religion of Judaism. The story

becomes more significant as it was incorporated in later religions such as

Christianity and Islam. Judaism is based on one god making it a monotheistic

religion but, this is not a terrible thing because the power is centered making

H.G. the most powerful god, in contrast to the gods the Egyptians

worshipped.

Monotheistic religions are the most popular religions, most

monotheistic religions believe Moses to be a significant person in history.

Therefore, there is no reason he should be left out and not be honored in our

society for his devotion and accomplishments.

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 Trial and Death of Socrates

The Trial and Death of Socrates the subject of piety was tested and

explored to discover a universal truth. As Socrates was waiting for his

appearance in court he chatted with his friend Euthyphro, who wanted to

convict his own father for murder of one of his fathers slaves.

Socrates who is a notable scholar, is worth being merged into the new

society because he raises the questions and drives us to answer them. He

brings up reasonable questions such as, if piety is what is pleasing to the

gods, what is it if the gods disagree? Throughout, Socrates raises more

questions that would lead one to getting closer to the answer but he never

answers the questions leaving the reader to assume what piety is on their

own. This relates to one not being simply informed but to have obtained

knowledge because by asking questions one is able to find the truth.

The Trial and Death of Socrates is based on Socrates philosophies. The

wisdoms of Socrates would definitely be worth saving because he was clever

and morale. He was also brave to search for the truth while everyone else

was content at the information they had. It is enticing continue learning and

Socrates is a great role model to follow to achieve this goal.

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 Incorporation in Community

The works selected would serve as a foundation of learning in the

community. As some create moral code and others to persuade the public to

take certain courses of action. The literatures would help form and shape a

society and civilization.

The books would be incorporated into the daily life. In order to

preserve it some of the books would be taught and read in the Education

Section (the section that would be created to preserve knowledge that

would be like a library-school), such as The Instructions for Little Pepi and

Enuma Elish. But others such as The Story of Moses, Genesis: Prologue and

Trial and Death of Socrates would be discussed and be a part of

conversations because everyone would have read these books. As for The

Epic of Gilgamesh it would be read leisurely, which may also make it a book

that would fall into a topic of conversation.

Literature is a useful tool that is left from previous generation to help

aid future generations on survival based on the lessons theyve learned and

comprehension they have formed. As Dr. Stoller said on the first day of class,

Knowledge is important because without it; it can kill you, impoverish you

and decrease the quality of your life.

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