Please answer three questions in all - two from Cain and Abel and the one from Noah.
CAIN AND ABEL: In a relatively short narrative, we have this myth concerning the first family after Eden - we have (1) the relationship between parents, children and siblings, (2) very distinct human passions related to this society – wounded pride, anger, jealousy, fear, dread; (3) violent death, crime and punishment, justice; (4) the beginning of agriculture and settlements, the arts and the city; (5) the first attempt at religion (sacrifices, relationship between humans and something greater than they are).
1. How do you see two or more of these themes working together within the story?
2. The myth seems to set up Abel as innocent (he is unable to defend himself and yet left unprotected by God). What might the story say about justice? How might the story be a kind of 'set-up' against Cain from the beginning (from his point of view)?
3. Analyze the conversation between God and Cain. What do you make of the phrases "Am I my brother's keeper?" and "Your brother's blood cries out to me from the soil"? (Remember - Cain is a farmer - linked to the soil).
4. What do you make of the mark of Cain? Is this an ambiguous mark? Is it unsettling to have the divine as someone / something that protects a murderer?
5. Why do you think that civilization (the city, music, the arts, culture, etc.) rises from the family of a murderer? What might this imply about the nature of civilization?
NOAH: Whereas in chapters 1-2 we saw a deity who created, with this story we see one who calls for (near) total destruction of that creation. What are some themes that you find within this story that can help us with our continuing understanding of the text. What do you find problematic about this text that you find warrants further analysis / discussion?
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