GARY BERKOWITZ SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT FOR STUDENTS Greek and Roman Epic 1 page writing assignment: a letter of acceptance to Apollonius Course goals: understanding the nature of the ancient epic genre, the variety of forms it took, and what its equivalent is in the 21st century You are an editor for a publishing house that specializes in poetry books. An unknown poet named Apollonius has just sent you a manuscript copy of Book I of his Argonautica, along with a cover letter stating that if you accept it for publication, he will send you the rest of the poem. You have to accept Apollonius’ poem, for no other poets are interested in your publishing house. It is crucial, though, that Apollonius’ poem makes a considerable profit, for your publishing house has substantial debt and is on the verge of bankruptcy. His poem must be endowed with whatever it is that makes 21st century books and movies popular, and therefore profitable. What changes, if any, should Apollonius make to his first book? Or what quality or qualities, if any, should he replicate in his later books? You should mention the three most significant passages or aspects of his first book that should be changed and/or replicated (don’t mention more than three things, for you do not want to stifle Apollonius’ creativity). You need to be specific about what passages or features of his poem you are talking about, or he will not be able to follow your suggestions. You should also explain to him why you think these aspects of Book I should be changed or emulated. To earn maximum credit, you should frame this assignment in the form of a polite letter to Apollonius, about 1 page long, double spaced and typed. There should be no errors in spelling or grammar. You must specify three, and no more than three, passages or features of Book I, and you must explain why you think they should be eliminated or emulated. I will critique your explanations in terms of how they embrace 21st century views of what makes books and movies popular. |