In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Darmok," Captain Picard and his crew encouter an alien race that communicates only by reference to specific episodes in their history and culture. For example, suppose you wanted to express love. Instead of saying "I love you," you might say "Juliet on her balcony." The person you are speaking to would conjure up a mental image of the Shakespearean scene and thereby understand what you were trying to communicate.
Consider your reading of GILGAMESH in relation to this film. Then, think about the following questions (these are merely prompts. You can answer one or all of them, or go off on your own exploration).
1)Is there evidence that humans communicate in this manner, too?
2)Reflect upon the larger societal implications the Star Trek episode suggests. Apply this understanding to an analysis of your own community's values and expectations.
3)What is the impact of the loss of a story in human society? Conversely, what is the impact of their preservations?
This response will count as a quiz, and should be about 700-1000 words in length. Due Monday.
No comments:
Post a Comment