Tantalus

1


Historical/Cultural Context _______ -
________ Character in Greek Mythology.
Connotations Human sacrifice, death,
offering.
Tantalus
Explanation Tantalus was welcomed to Zeus table
and stole food for his people. He also revealed
the secrets of the gods. As an offering to the
gods, Tantalus sacrificed his son, Pelops, by
chopping him up and boiling him. The gods were
aware of his plan and did not eat Zeus ordered
Fate to resurrect Pelops. Tantalus punishment
was to stand beneath a fruit tree in a pool of
water and anytime he reached for food, the
branches would move up, as the water would recede
anytime he reached for water.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalus
2


Historical/Cultural Context 30AD - 33AD A
bribe taken by Judas to betray Jesus.
Connotations Bribery, death, betrayal, cheating,
liar, sin.
thirty pieces of silver

Explanation According to the Gospel of John,
Judas carried the disciples money bag and
betrayed Jesus for a bribe of thirty pieces of
silver. In return, he turned Jesus over to the
high priest, who in turn, handed him over to the
soldiers of Pontius Pilate. Once handed over, he
was crucified by Pontius Pilate on the cross.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot
3


Historical/Cultural Context Biblical Times The
allusion comes from 1 Corinthians 1312, for now
we see through a glass, darkly.
Connotations Mirror, murky, dense, dark,
morbid.
through a glass darkly

Explanation The Apostle Paul writes, in 1
Corinthians 1312, that we as humans do not see
clearly through the glass, or mirror, and that at
the end of time humans will see what is meant to
seen.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_Corinthians_13.22T
hrough_a_Glass.2C_Darkly.22
4


Historical/Cultural Context Biblical Times The
Tower of Babel explains the origin of different
countries and languages due to one mans
ignorance.
Connotations Languages, countries, ignorance,
boasting, greatness, power
Tower of Babel

Explanation The Tower of Babel was built in the
city of Babel, known for a united humanity and
being the first city built after the Great Flood.
King Nimrod insisted that there be a tower built
so that its top would be in the heavens. However
the tower was not built to honor or worship God,
and seeing the people sin against him, he
confused their languages and scattered people
across the Earth.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_Babel
5
Connotations Sneaky, stealthy, dark, deceiving,
fascinating, immense


Historical/Cultural Context 11941184 BC The
strategy used by the Greeks to conquer the city
of Troy.
Trojan Horse

Explanation The Trojans were overjoyed to see
that the Greeks had burned camp and set sail for
home. The giant Trojan horse was brought inside
the city walls, planning to dedicate it to
Athena. The Greeks, however, had hidden inside
the structure and took over the city of Troy
successfully.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_War
6


Historical/Cultural Context __________ Utopia
is the term used for an ideal society.
Connotations Heaven, paradise, dreamland,
perfect, precise, ideal
Utopia

Historical/Cultural Context The word Utopia
has been used to describe intentional
communities, which attempt to create an ideal
society, and fictional societies shown throughout
literature.
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia
7


Historical/Cultural Context June 18,
1815 Napoleon's last battle which ended his
reign as the French Emperor.
Connotations Defeat, final, loss, collapse,
breakdown, ruin, ambush, death.
Waterloo
Explanation The battle of Waterloo, in Belgium,
was the last battle for Napoleon Bonaparte. The
battle marked the end of The Hundred Days, and
also ended Napoleons defeat and the loss of his
authoritative position as the Emperor of France,
leaving thousands dead.

http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Waterloo