by Thomas Aquinas

19. An epic poem is an elaborate narrative about an important national event. 20. Epic poetry has a character of incredible stature and courage. 21. Usually, the main character in an epic poem has fought valorously in a significant battle. 22. An epic poem is a lengthy narrative that deals with gods or other superhuman forces. 23. The epic poem has elevated language and style. 24. One of the greatest attractions of classical literature is its display of creative and elevated language. 25. In the first section of Milton’s epic poem, Satan and his angels have failed in a rebellion against God. 26. Milton wrote the first part of the poem in the first person. 27. In the first section, Satan tries to lift the mood of Beelzebub, his second in command. 28. In lines 27–83 of Book 1of Paradise Lost, Milton introduces the reader to

Satan and his ‘horrid crew.” 29. In this epic poem, Satan finds himself cast down into a recently constructed hell. 30. Based on the article, when Satan says, ‘What though the field be lost? /All is not lost’ (lines105–6), he displays a degree of heroic brokenness. 31. Satan displays remorse for his rebellion in lines 105-6. 32. The term “stoicism” refers to the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint. 33. The expression “stoicism in defeat” suggests that Satan accepts his present plight without any resistance. 34. In line 105-6, Milton uses military images to portray Satan. 35. While speaking to his troops, Satan refuses to show any notion of final submission.

For Reflection (1):

Explain the expression: “heroic brokenness” in relation to Milton’s depiction of Satan in Paradise Lost. Write five-eight sentences. Edit your writing to correct errors. Post your work on the discussion board. Label the post: A Reflection of the “Heroic Brokenness” of Milton’s Satan.”

For Reflection (2):

Elaborate on the following question: If a loving, just, and caring God created a good world, why is there little evidence of goodness and justice in the world? Find evidence of the goodness that is still clear in the world. How can you contribute to the world’s goodness? (Write five-eight sentences. Employ terminology from this lesson in your response. Edit your writing to correct errors. Post your work on the discussion board. Label the post: A Reflection on the Goodness in God’s World?)

A Closing Thought:

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:6-7)

LESSON EIGHTEEN A PHILOSOPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GOD BY THOMAS AQUINAS

Lesson Overview

The 13th century Catholic Dominican priest and a canonized saint, Thomas Aquinas, stood on the assumption that God is self-existent. The expression “aseity” refers to the condition in which a Being exists in and from itself. In this lesson, students will examine the concept of God’s aseity, or self-existence, as proposed in Aquinas’ Five Ways. Key Concepts: aseity, Summa Theologica, Aquinas’ Five Ways, autonomy, philosophical, premise

Objectives: Students will:

 show how writers in diverse cultures and ages drew from the Hebrew Bible to present their own ideas and literary works.  discuss distinct attributes of biblical characters.  find a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text.  find the meaning of words and phrases in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.  edit writing to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:  decide the main idea in written passages of literature accurately and with depth of thought.  use context clues to find the meanings of words.  show how writers in diverse cultures and ages drew from the Hebrew Bible to present their own ideas and literary works.  discuss distinct attributes of biblical characters.  edit writing to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure.

Duration: 2-3 hours