One
of the literary works that have been introduced in class is the book
of “Genesis”. The central theme in this story is new beginning.
Genesis is a creation story of when God created the Earth and the
promises He has made to Abraham. The important figures that are
brought up in the book of “Genesis” are Adam and Eve, Noah,
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. The first part of "Genesis" takes
place in Mesopotamia, middle part happened in Canaan/Palestine, and
towards the end takes place in Egypt. God created the universe and
mankind. From there world grew by the number of people and size.
"Genesis" goes over the theme, new beginning, and the
importance. A new beginning refers to new life and
re-birth. A new life/ rebirth refers to people as a fresh start not as being born again. This is important because this is how life started
for people, animals, and plants. From reading this story we
see how we are here and answers people's curiosities and
unanswered questions. In the book of "Genesis" a tree and fruits are used to illustrate life. People view fruit and tree as life because it is living, breathing, and growing. A tree and fruit all started out from a seed, grew, and have roots to where it all started. This applies to people as well because everyone has historical roots of where they start and to where they are now. This explains why people refer to new life to fruits and tree like in the book of "Genesis". A
new beginning is used to refer to people when they are "emotionally
ready to behave and think in a whole new way. People have to part
with the old, and get through the chaotic Neutral
Zone, before they can
successfully start a New Beginning. That's why Transitions take a lot
longer to complete than Changes"(Masiel
Rodriquez-Vars).
The following link has further information on the topic "new beginning" by Masiel Rodriquez-Vars.
Although
the book of Genesis is ancient, there are still figurative languages
used throughout the story. Some of the figurative languages that are
shown are archetypes and metaphors. The archetypes shown in Genesis
are hero which is God, obstacle/opponent/evil figure which is the
devil/Satan, temptress which is people/living things, and helper
which God's people (disciples). Metaphors used throughout the story
are tree and fruit and snake. In the book of Genesis God said, “you
must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden,
and you must not touch it, or you will die”(NIV Bible 4). In the
story God refers to the tree and fruit as life however, literally a
tree and fruit is not life. This explains the reason why the tree and
fruit is a metaphor. Same applies to the snake, a snake is an animal
but the book of Genesis refers to the snake as Satan. In the story
the snake is also an archetype because this animal plays the role as
a temptress. The snake tempts Eve by saying, “for God knows that
when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like
God, knowing good and evil”(NIV Bible 4). The snake slowly lures
Eve to eat the fruit that God had told her not to eat. From eating
the fruit she does the exact same act to Adam. From
this we see how in the new beginning the act and behavior
that Adam and Eve has shown is still being done today
in society. We see people tempted to do things that guide
themselves to the wrong path and we see people tempting
others. This shows how and why a new beginning
is important until this day.
This is important to people in society today because it brings up questions as
to why people are here and for what reason. The book of "Genesis" gives
people answers to their questions of when and how life started and
why things are like what it is today. Starting from Adam and Eve,
people find out why they are wearing clothes. After eating the fruit
from the tree of life Adam says to God, “I heard you in the garden,
and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid”(NIV Bible, 5). From
his and her wrongdoings they see and realize that they are naked and
feel ashamed.
From
the beginning we see that from Adam and Eve's mistake God
punishes Adam that he must now work in order to live life and for Eve God punishes her by providing pain when child bearing.
This shows how it is like in society today. God gives Adam and Eve another chance to live life the way God wants them too, showing a new beginning for the two. A fresh start to live life again and not to make the same mistake as they once did. However, their kids make mistakes as well, but once again God gives them another chance to start a new life. "Genesis" shows people how life is and how it all started, showing a new beginning, life, rebirth, and creation. From this we learn that new beginning does not have to be once in life. A new beginning starts when we put out minds into it and not make the same mistakes as before.
This song sung by Tracy Chapman is called "New Beginning". The lyrics explain the sufferings the world has and from this people need to restart a new life.
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