Allusion-(noun) an implied or indirect reference to another literary work or event in history in literature. [Webster's Collegiate]

From the earliest beginning of the literary canon, writers have borrowed ideas, plots, themes, and characters from other sources.  The three basic sources for this are the Bible, ancient classical writings (mainly Greek and Roman) and the works of William Shakespeare.  In order to truly appreciate both modern and historical texts, knowledge of these works is paramount. 

**If you do not understand the importance of these three allusions and become confused or hung up on the fact that these are religious texts, set up an appointment with Mrs. Bostwick so she can explain to you the definition of a literary allusion and again explain why we study the impact of mythology, Shakespeare, and the Bible on our literature. She will also give you a brief history of the English Language to assist you on your quest to understand this assignment.  This appointment must be set up within the first two weeks of school during a tutoring time.

Requirements: every week you are required to read the assigned literary work. You will submit documentation of your reading that contains the following:

• Correct MLA pagination
• Name of story and Source (Biblical, Greek, Roman, etc.)
• Your work must be handwritten in blue or black ink
• One EXACT COPY of a portion of the story or selection - a verse, a line, etc.  This must be done using correct MLA citation.  This portion must be no longer than 3 sentences. This selection must be the portion of the text from where your commentary comes.  It should be a selection that invites reflection or discussion.
• An extensive, text-based commentary – your thoughts and insight into the work, particularly the quotation you selected for the other side of your notecard.– consider purpose, character motivation, application to life, etc.  You must connect your words directly to the text.
  

 Your documentation will be submitted on an index card, still attached to the spiral binding.  The summary will be on the front, and the commentary will be on the back.  Do not use more than one card per literary work.  NO NAKED INDEX CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

**All cards are due at the beginning of the hour.

List of Literary Works

Week 2:        Fishers of Men parable (Mark 1)  

Week 3:        The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6)

Week 6:        Midas and the Golden Touch