Star Trek

Of course I find it interesting that the very same reading, Homeric Hymns, that we are doing for class, was referenced by Star Trek: The Next Generation but I can't say that I am all that surprised. I haven't seen any Star Trek episodes for a while, but I used to see them somewhat regularly a couple years ago and if often seems to contain references to classic literature. The best example I can think of is from one of the movies, First Contact, in which they are battling the Borg. As they are being attacked, Picard is accused of being like Captain Ahab, and senselessly going down with his ship. Of course Moby Dick isn't ancient Greek literature, but it contains elements within it that have recurred throughout the history of literature, tracing back to oral traditions. Ahab is the ultimate envisioning of the revenge story and an embodiment of blind determination.

Classical Foundations

This class will probably be one of the most pertinent classes I will take in my English Literature field. A few years ago I remember declaring English Literature as a major, the reason being that I wanted to understand the conventions underlying great storytelling throughout human history. I am a senior now, and I have had moments over the years where I have questioned my motives for becoming an English Literature student, but I have stuck with it. It is interesting that now that I am almost done that I have finally taken this class, which seems to be based upon the very same theme that motivated me to take English Literature. It should be interesting to see how this class plays out.