2022_심화영어독해와작문

109 Choose a symbol (such as manna, nectar, or Olympus) or literary method used in “The Social Triangle” that requires background knowledge to be understood. Then search for relevant information. Activity Literature and Culture: Why Background KnowledgeMatters To fully understand literary works, we often need some cultural background knowledge. For example, in “The Social Triangle,” understanding references such as manna, nectar, Olympus, and Moses is essential for grasping the context and deeper meanings. Here is an example. example The phrase “Moses looking over into the promised land” in “The Social Triangle” (O. Henry) is rich with cultural and historical significance. Cultural Insights Background Knowledge: 1. Origin • Source: The phrase comes from the Bible. • Story: According to the Bible, Moses was the leader of the Jewish people who led them out of slavery in Egypt and guided them through the desert for 40 years towards the Promised Land—a land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. • Promised Land: This land, often referred to as Canaan, is described as a “land flowing with milk and honey” and represents a place of peace, prosperity, and fulfillment for the Israelites. • Moses’ View from Mount Nebo: As the journey neared its end, God commanded Moses to climb Mount Nebo in Jordan. From the summit, Moses could see the Promised Land stretched out before him. 2. Literary and Cultural References • Common Allusion: The phrase is often used in literature and speeches to represent a vision of a better future or a goal that is just within reach but not yet achieved. • Examples: Martin Luther King Jr. famously referenced this imagery in his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” envisioning the struggle for civil rights as nearing its promised future of equality, even though he knew he might not live to see it realized. • Literature: Writers and poets use this phrase to evoke a sense of longing and vision. It’s a powerful metaphor for the tension between what we desire and what we ultimately attain.