Please read Chapters 15-19 of Machiavelli's The Prince (either pp. 84-104 of the Signet edition or at the link below).
Renaissance humanists had a very positive view of mankind. They greatly appreciated past human achievements, and had an exceptionally high view of human potential . Read through some of Pico della Mirandola's Oration on the Dignity of Man at the link below. Cite a line or two that particular well illustrates Pico's "humanism," i.e., either his appreciation for the past or his optimism about human potential. As an alternative, just cite a line that you particularly like from this work and explain why you like it.
Read Boccaccio's account of the plague in Florence at the link below. What can you tell about Boccaccio's values and concerns from this account? In what ways might seeing the kinds of things he describes affect his writing and his general view of life?
The Greeks regarded the words of their great playwrights as "theopneutos," i.e., God-breathed. Do you agree? Cite a line or two from Euripides' "Trojan Women" that might show why the Greeks regarded writers like Euripides as almost equivalent to prophets. Explain why you find this line/these lines inspired or inspiring.
Please read Chapters 1-7 and Chapter 12 of Daniel. Pick out a verse or passage that seems to you a good example of the way the Hebrews provided ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment to the members of their society. If you like, you might also comment on how the ideas in that verse/passage might have helped Judaism survive despite the many challenges and threats the Jews have faced through history.
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