Pre-Columbian Literature
Things to Consider:
- View of Gods
- Versions of Creation (and Relation to Culture)
- Comparison with Greek, Egyptian, and African Poetry
- Issues of gender with gods/goddesses
- See Essay, "Arts of the Contact Zone"
** Homework Questions **
Popol Vuh (1554-58)
1905:
- In what ways does this text represent "the cultural and
intellectual mix born of the encounter" between the Europeans
and the Maya people?
- Describe the structure of the text.
1908:
- How do Heart of Sky and Plumed Serpent make
the world? How does this compare with the Egyptian
or other African versions we've discussed?
Part Two [The Twins Defeat Seven Macaw]
1909:
- Who are Hunahpu and Xbalanque? See Ball Court
1909-10:
- Why do they want to defeat Seven Macaw ?
How do they?
Part Three [Victory over the Underworld]
1911:
- Present one parallel between this section and Gilgamesh.
- Present one parallel between this section and the Bible.
1915:
- What is the heart sacrifice?
Part Four [Origin of Humanity, First Dawn]
1917:
- What ingredients are used to make humans? Why?
Part Five [Prayer for Contentment]
1920:
- Explain: "Spill thy drops / of green and yellow"
(5-6). What is the symbolism here?
Other Discussion Questions:
1906:
- In what ways are these stories both old and new?
Part One [Prologue, Creation]:
1908:
- Why does Heart of Sky have three names?
Part Three [Victory over the Underworld]
1911:
- What is the difference among Hunahpu, One Hunahpu, and
Seven Hunahpu?
Part Four [Origin of Humanity, First Dawn]
1918:
- Why does the creator take back some of the knowledge from
the original humans? How does this compare to Genesis?
1919:
- Why do the first humans shake their burning copal?
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make
the world? How does this compare with the Egyptian
or other African versions we've discussed?
?
How do they?