Document 1-3: Genesis: The Christian Origin Narrative
Document 1-4: Aristotle on Masters and Slaves
What are the major differences and similarities among these creation myths? How do their views of human beings compare to Aristotle's?
The creation narratives describe a world before humans existed. To what extent were humans a force for good in the world? How did humans' power compare to that of nature or zemis or the creator? Did Aristotle's views differ? If so, how and why?
How do the views of women and men in the creation myths compare to Aristotle's views? What do they reveal about gender roles and expectations among Native Americans and Europeans?
Because the creation narratives originated in oral rather than written communication, to what extent can these documents be accepted as expressions of the views of common folk among the Taino, the Penobscot, and Christians? How might the prevalent beliefs in Europe at the time the creation myths were first written down have influenced the accounts?
To what extent might the creation myths and Aristotle's views about masters and slaves have influenced the behavior of Native Americans and Europeans when they encountered one another?