Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Latin

Beowulf: An Ancient English Epic Poem

• Setting: Around the sixth century.
• Written Down: Probably not until the eighth century.
• Significance: Considered the first heroic text in English literature.
• Protagonist: A brave young man from southern Sweden.
• Author: Anonymous.
• Form: Written in verse.

The Canterbury Tales: Chaucer's Medieval Masterpiece

• Author: Geoffrey Chaucer.
• Period: Written between 1387 and 1400.
• Structure: A collection of short stories presented as a frame story.
• Plot: Follows a group of 30 pilgrims traveling to Canterbury.
• Characters: Pilgrims from all layers of society.
• Purpose of Stories: To pass the time during their journey.

Hamlet: Shakespeare's Iconic Tragedy of Revenge

• Theme: Revenge.
• Type: Tragedy, Drama.
• Setting: Denmark.
• Plot Summary:
  • Events

True or False

T Kunta Kinte was born in Juffure.

F The Koro family was friendly with Kunta Kinte. They were enemies.

T Silla is Omoro's brother.

T John Waller owns a tobacco plantation.

T Kunta Kinte tries to escape John Waller's farm during the New Year party.

F Part 2 happens 20 years after part 1. Only 12 years pass.

T Kunta joins the army as an officer.

T Fiddler dies during Kizzy's naming ceremony.

T Noah dies in a big fire in the woods.

T Tom Lea lives in North Carolina.

F Mingo is Kunta Kinte's uncle. Mingo is a friend of Chicken George.

F In the duel, both men have the right to shoot their guns three times. They can only shoot twice.

T Marcellus offers $2,000 for Kizzy's freedom.

F Mingo dies because of sickness. He dies from a beating.

T George is... Continue reading "Roots: A Study Guide" »

Accounting Concepts and Calculations

1. Income Statement

• Gross Sales: Total sales before any deductions.
• Returns: Deducted from gross sales to calculate net sales.
• Cash Discounts: Deducted from gross sales to calculate net sales.
• Net Sales: Gross sales minus returns and cash discounts.
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): The cost of the goods sold during the period.
• Other Expenses: Expenses not related to COGS.
• Profit Before Tax: Net sales minus COGS and other expenses.
• Tax Expense: Taxes owed on profit before tax.
• Net Income: Profit before tax minus tax expense.

2. Balance Sheet

• Accounts Receivable: Money owed to the company by customers for goods or services sold on credit.
• Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (ADA): An estimate of the amount of accounts receivable

The Origins of Rome and Early Italian Peoples

• When was the city of Rome founded? 8th Century BC
• Which groups of people inhabited the Italian Peninsula and the islands around it when Rome was founded? The Latins, Etruscans, and Greeks.
• Which group was settled in the area of Rome when it was founded? The Latins.
• In which area was there a significant number of Greek colonies? Southern modern-day Italy and the island of Sicily.
• What was the name of this area (Ancient Greece)? Magna Graecia (Greater Greece).
• When was it colonized? In the Archaic Period.
• What political system did Rome originally have? A Monarchy.

Key Concepts in Roman Governance and Society

True or False Statements: Early Roman History

Indicate whether the following statements are true or... Continue reading "Foundations of Ancient Rome: Origins, Society, and Governance" »

Pío Baroja: Life and Career

Pío Baroja, born in San Sebastián, studied medicine but had a minor in Cestona. Back in Madrid, his contacts with other writers led him to fully devote himself to literary pursuits. After a series of contributions in newspapers and magazines, he published his first book in 1900. His production includes The Tree of Knowledge (written in 1911) and over 17 important novels.

In 1935, he entered the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), and he died in 1956. He was a lonely and bitter man, considering himself among those who possess more than the necessary sensitivity. His shyness, spirit of independence, and misogyny led him to reject marriage, while he simultaneously condemned prostitution. He was able to feel tenderness for... Continue reading "Pío Baroja: Literary Legacy and Philosophical Insights" »

Character Profiles

• Frankenstein: A young, tall, thin, and intelligent man. A character very willing to learn new things.
• Elizabeth: A tall and quite beautiful woman. Her character: she worries a lot about Frankenstein and she loved Victor very much.
• Henry: Victor's friend since childhood. When Victor left, he envied him. An eager and intelligent man.
• The Monster: It was very ugly, very tall, and big. He longed to be friendly with everybody, but he couldn't. A bit aggressive.
• Father: A man with clear ideas. He wanted the best for his son. Intelligent.
• William: A naive child. He needs more experience.

Key Plot Points

1. A thunderstorm night, with lightning in the electricity.
2. That his brother died.
3. He studied chemistry and medicine.
4. That Victor marry Elizabeth.

T.S. Eliot's Influence on Literary Criticism

T.S. Eliot was an influential figure in literature. While the literary canon naturally changes with society, Eliot managed single-handedly to modify the canon of English literature through his criticism.

Revitalizing and Reshaping the Canon

He revitalized whole periods of English literature that were almost forgotten, including:

• The Jacobean drama
• Metaphysical poets
• John Dryden
• The poetry of Dante
• Symbolist poetry

However, he also criticized Romantic poetry, managing to impose a dislike for it because he felt it descended into sentimentalism.

Eliot's Critical Concepts

He introduced a series of critical concepts that have exerted an enormous influence on how criticism was conducted in the 20th century. For Eliot,... Continue reading "T.S. Eliot's Critical Theories and Literary Impact" »

Tirant lo Blanch stands as one of the most significant books written in Valencian. Penned by Joanot Martorell in the 15th century, this remarkable work is an unusual chivalric novel, distinguished by its naturalistic and satirical character. It also appears to contain a strong autobiographical component, offering a unique glimpse into its author's world.

The Adventures of Knight Tirant lo Blanc

The novel recounts the feats and adventures of Knight Tirant lo Blanc from Brittany. Intriguingly, the narrative often parallels the life and exploits of Roger de Flor, the prominent leader of the mercenary Company of Almogàvers. This historical company fought extensively in Asia Minor and Greece, both for and against the Emperor of Byzantium.

Historical

ADDITION

Moreover, beside, furthermore, in addition (además), and also (y también), likewise (asimismo), as well as (como también), not only...but also (no solo...sino que también), further (mas aun), another (otro), still another (aun otro), last but not least (ultimo pero no menos importante).

RESULT

so (asi que, entonces), therefore (por lo tanto), hence (de ahí que), thus (asi), consequently, as a consequence (como consecuencia), for this reason (por esta razón), as a result (como resultado), so that (de manera que), that’s why (por eso es que), accordingly (por consiguiente), so...that (tan...que), such (a)...tan (tan...que), nevertheless (no obstante).

PURPOSE

in order to (con el fin de), in order that (con el fin de que), for the... Continue reading "Connecting Words and Phrases in Spanish - A Comprehensive Guide" »

Vocabulary Definitions

• Annular - (adj) ring-shaped
• Apiary - (n) a place where bees are kept and tended
• Apocalyptic - (adj) relating to a revelation
• Apostasy - (n) abandonment of faith or dedication to basic beliefs
• Append - (v) to attach, add
• Auspices - (n) patronage, sponsorship
• Brusque - (adj) abrupt, rough in speech or manner
• Bucolic - (adj) of the countryside
• Cabal - (n) a group of people engaged in intrigue
• Cache - (n) a secret place for hiding supplies, food, etc.
• Cairn - (n) a heap of stones marking a special site
• Codicil - (n) a supplementary statement, especially as in a will
• Dissimulate - (v) to mask or confuse by false appearance
• Dissipate - (v) to cause to disappear; to scatter
• Eclectic - (adj) chosen or selected from various sources
• Ecumenical