Discussion on Various Articles - Essay Example

The article is about the comparison between two mythical characters named Adam and Adapa that came from near East culture. They were both part of stories about the origin of men. They both failed to gain immortality, but in different ways (Hess 1994, p. 35). Adam did not gain immortality because of his disobedience while Adapa lacked the access to immortality because of his faithfulness to the choice of his father named Ea, the God of Wisdom. Other parallels had been seen by Andreasen between the two as Adapa was shown to follow wisdom while Adam was more of self-follower.

They were both challenged by the gods, failed the test, and gave serious consequence to humanity. Their names were also related based on the phonetics (Walton 1989, p. 64). They differ in terms of views on men as Mesopotamian view which is in the character that shows nobility and respect to the gods while Adam showed the opposite which is being sinful. Discussion 2 The Song of Songs is considered to be written by Solomon and a part of the Bible in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It has been studied by various scholars across centuries as the contents are subjected to various interpretations.

The contents may be interpreted literally or they may convey deeper meanings in life. People may argue that the verses contain eroticism about the discovery of love and sexuality between a man and woman from adolescence to adulthood. It involves figures that may be considered taboo if people relate them to sexuality (Marieselvam 1987, p. 31). It may be found to be contradicting the teachings of the Christian Church if interpreted literally. For Christians, it is about the relationship between Jesus and the Church as the groom and bride.

They talk about the so-called agape or selfless love. Some sexual involvement may be seen but it is part of the love within marriage which is actually a giving and receiving relationship (Hunt 2008, p. 21). Likewise, interpretation truly makes Song of Songs erotic and holy at the same time. It is considered holy in the lines “My beloved is all radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand,” (Songs 5:10) and “Look, it is the litter of Solomon! Around it are sixty mighty men of the mighty men of Israel,” (Songs 3:7).

They talk about the coming of the Messiah in the person of Christ who is a descendant of David. In terms of eroticism, Song of Songs should be interpreted literally as “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth,” (Songs 1:2a) and “for your lovemaking is better than wine,” (Songs 1:2b). The last two quoted lines showed the acts done by lovers and compared to the taste of wine. Discussion 3 The tale that the author read in Arabian Nights is Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It is comparable to another famous Arabian Nights story entitled Aladdin.

They are both famous tales from the Middle East which are mostly occupied by Muslims. Their common setting shows palace in the deserts as Arab countries are located in those hot dry areas. “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” follows the story of a son of a merchant and his brother being left behind after the death of their father. Cassim, the brother of Ali Baba, was so greedy that he took over the business of their father and married a rich woman. On the other hand, Ali Baba was married to a poor woman and they lived on woodcutting.

One day, Ali Baba accidentally discovered the cave of the