Topic #2: Although two very different literary works, both the Shahnameh and Inferno deal centrally with the existence of human suffering and mortality. Discuss how the two deal with such issues as -what causes human suffering; -what seems inevitably tragic about human existence; -how one should deal with suffering; -what one should learn from an understanding of human mortality. -One passage you should include part or all of in your presentation is from the section about Saiawush. Rustem loved Saiawush, the son of Kai Kous. The passage says, “By the hairs of his head they dragged him [Saiawush] unto a desert place, and the sword of Gersiwaz was planted in the breast of the royal cedar. But when it was done, and they had severed the head from the trunk, a mighty storm arose over the earth, and the heavens were darkened (Saiawush). From the Shahnameh, your presentation will probably focus on Rustem, Sohrab, and/or Saiawush; for Dante in Inferno, you have many options, but the following characters and their sad stories make especially good choices for the subject (but you can choose others if you wish; just one will do): Virgil, Francesca, Pier della Vigna, Brunetto Latini, Guido de Montefeltro. Second, create a slide presentation of your argument. Include both text and images that illustrate and enhance the points you are making. Use the following as an outline of what to include: Explain the general topic and relevant themes (e.g. heroes, suffering) and any relevant terms for that topic (suggested 2-3 slides). Apply that topic to both Shahnameh and to Inferno. Give specific examples and quotes from the texts to support your analyses (suggested 5-7 slides). You may want to check the feedback from your previous assignment to make sure you improve upon your earlier efforts. Your final slide should be your Works Cited slide, with both texts in MLA format.
