Essay Assignment

Each answer should be at least 250 words to get an A.

1. Watch the three segments from the film "The Matrix" that are provided below (each one is less than 5 minutes long). Then, utilize ten of the following divination terms to analyze the film segment: inspirational, noninspirational, fortuitous, deliberate, oneiromancy, presentiments, necromancy, omens, ornithomancy, apantomancy, haruspication, scapulimancy, aleuromancy, dowsing, graphology, palmistry, prenology, tasseography, prophecy, possession, oneiromancy, or ordeals. All of these terms are discussed in the second half of Chapter 7 in the textbook so please use the textbook definition and not Google's definition. Make sure to include a very brief definition of the words you select to analyze the film so that I can be sure you know what they mean. Please also underline each of the ten terms to make grading easier. [NOTE: if you have difficulty opening the first and third segments, the assignment can be done with just the Youtube video. Remember that you can use negative statements such as "the scene does not portray ____, which is defined as _____."

The Matrix first segment:  Matrix first segment.MTS

The Matrix second segment (visit to The Oracle) (Links to an external site.)

Matrix third segment

 

2. Do you believe in a soul or life force? If so, what do you think will happen to it after you die? Will the death ritual your loved ones perform have something to do with what happens to your soul? Briefly explain your answer AND compare and contrast your beliefs to two of the other cultures' ideas about the soul that are discussed in the textbook (you can select which two but just be clear as to which two you are selecting).

OR, if you do not believe in a soul, discuss the case of the Guatemalan family in the article "The Cremated Catholic." Why was it so important for them to receive their son's body intact? Compare and contrast the rural Guatemalans' ideas of the soul and its relationships to the correct performance of death rituals with those that the article describes as being held by the leadership of the Catholic Church.