Overview
This lecture introduces the first six of twelve influential literary works that shaped world history, focusing on their origins, themes, and significance.
The 12 Influential Literary Compositions (Part 1)
- The first six works discussed are the Bible, the Quran, the Iliad and the Odyssey, the Mahabharata, the Canterbury Tales, and Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- These texts come from different cultures and have played major roles in religion, literature, and society.
The Bible
- Central text of Christianity, originating from Palestine and Greece.
- Composed of 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament books.
- Believed to have been divinely inspired or guided in its writing.
The Quran
- Central religious text of Islam, revealed by Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad in Mecca and Medina.
- Contains narratives similar to the Bible, including stories of Adam, Moses, Jesus, Mary, Noah, and Abraham.
- Highlights similarities and connections between Islamic and Christian scriptures.
The Iliad and the Odyssey
- Two Greek epic poems attributed to Homer.
- The Iliad details the Trojan War and the fall of Troy.
- The Odyssey recounts Odysseus's adventures returning from the Trojan War.
- Feature interactions with Greek gods and legendary heroes.
The Mahabharata
- The world’s longest epic, a cornerstone of Hindu literature.
- Written by Vyasa with 18 chapters (parvas), it is a Sanskrit epic of ancient India.
- Features complex characters including gods Vishnu and Shiva, with stories of reincarnation (avatars).
- The ten avatars of Vishnu (Dashavatara) parallel evolutionary stages, from aquatic life to future prophesied incarnations.
The Canterbury Tales
- Written by Geoffrey Chaucer, it presents English society, religion, and customs via 24 stories.
- Structurally based on a storytelling contest among pilgrims journeying to Canterbury.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
- Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, it exposed the plight of slaves in America.
- Influenced democracy and was the bestselling book of the 19th century.
- Inspired Philippine national hero Jose Rizal's novels.
- The term "Uncle Tom" later became a derogatory insult.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Epic — A lengthy narrative poem detailing heroic deeds and events.
- Avatar — In Hinduism, a physical incarnation of a deity on Earth.
- Pilgrim — A traveler on a religious journey, as in the Canterbury Tales.
- Divine Inspiration — The belief that a deity influences or guides the creation of sacred texts.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the list of the next six influential literary works: The Divine Comedy, El Cid, The Song of Roland, The Book of the Dead, The Book of the Days, and 1001 Nights.
- Reflect on the significance and main themes of each work covered.
- Prepare for a quiz on statements regarding the sources of myths in Greece and India (the Iliad/Odyssey for Greece, Mahabharata for India).