Song of Solomon Handout

Ok, here's the handout for class. It's not in the same form it was on the papers in class, but all the stuff is there for review and such!




Song of Solomon
A Rich and Sensual Love Song

Authorship-

Some people translate the first clause of the title as "which is of Solomon," meaning that the book is authored by Solomon. In the Jewish tradition, King Solomon is the writer of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Solomon. The order of composition is disputed, but the Talmud states the order of the canon, listing Proverbs first, then Ecclesiastes, and then The Song of Songs.
Others translate the first clause as "which is for Solomon," meaning that the book is dedicated to Solomon. It was common practice in ancient times for an anonymous writer seeking recognition for his work to write using the name of someone more famous. Some read the book as contrasting the nobility of monogamous love with the debased nature of promiscuous love, and suggest that the book is actually a veiled criticism of Solomon, who, according to 1 Kings 11:3, had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines.

Interpretation-

The Song of Solomon has been interpreted in many different ways. Traditionally, people thought that the tale told of God’s love for the Israelites; however, in a more modern light, people think that the tale tells of Christ’s love for the church. Other theories include settings of a marriage between two gods and funerary repasts staging love against death. Probably the most obvious interpretation is a dialogue between two lovers. Some view it as a bride and groom celebrating their nuptials; others believe it to be the story of erotic love between an unmarried man and woman.

Setting-

The dating of the Song of Solomon is uncertain since there is nothing to tie it to a specific historical setting, but it is generally tied to dates ranging close to the time of Solomon (mid tenth century). The type of language used in the book relates to love poetry known in the ancient Near East, Mesopotamian love rituals, and Egyptian love songs; the closest match is to the Egyptian works.
The portrayal of lovers shows a relationship filled with erotic energy and lust. Throughout the story, the land is awakening into spring, symbolizing the maturity of the female lover into womanhood. Even though sexuality is treated with restraint, the love portrayed is extremely mutual and the constraints of a patriarchal society do not determine the behavior of the lovers. However, the girl is under the charge of her brothers, and her movement is restricted because of it. While she believes she is ready to be an adult woman, she must make an effort to convince her brothers. This hindrance does not slow the affection between the lovers, and they consistently dwell on each other’s bodies comparing them to an assortment of pleasing objects and scenes.



A rich and compelling love story of the erotic feelings between two fourth-graders
Starring

Timmy – A hormone-driven adolescent lusting after the beautiful…
Lucy – A young girl caught up in the passion of Timmy’s doting
With

Principal Solomon
Sex-Ed Teacher
Guy Friends
Girl Friends

Prepare to be shocked and amazed at the provocative lives of elementary students!


Inspired by these tasteful verses from The Song of Solomon:
3:6-11 4:16 5:10-16 6:13 7:1-4 7:7-9 8:1-2 8:6-7 8:14

Producers:
Craig
Eric
Fletcher
Jessi
Kathryn
Melissa






I hope everyone enjoyed the show, and if you haven't read Song of Solomon yet, go right ahead. It's pretty awesome!