NOTE TO STUDENTS:  Before answering the questions, think about the following:

• An allusion is an implied or indirect reference to another literary work or event in history in literature. [from Webster's Collegiate Dictionary]
• Two basic sources from which writers, especially poets, draw allusions and metaphors are the Bible and the ancient classical writings (mainly Greek and Roman). Knowledge of the characters and stories contained in the Bible and in the body of myths and legends will add appreciably to the enjoyment of good literature of all kinds. From the very beginning of the literary canon, writers have borrowed characters, plots, and themes from these sources.

1. How many biblical references do Shakespeare's works contain?

2. a) What percent of high school English teachers surveyed believe that teaching about the Bible is important in literature classes?
b) What percent of English teachers said they actually teach about the Bible in their literature classes?
c) What do you think of these statistics?
d) Ask your English teacher whether it is important for students to have Biblical knowledge when studying literature.

3. a) Were you surprised to learn that reviews of textbooks in public schools confirmed that virtually all religious references, including the Bible's role in history, art, and literature, have been removed from the curriculum?
b) Why do you think this has happened?
c) Do you think this affects students' overall education? Explain your answer.

4. What do high school and college instructors say about the importance of Bible knowledge as explained in the last paragraph of the article?

5. a) Read the survey results from 39 professors at 34 universities around the country about the necessity of Bible knowledge for studying literature in the "Bible Literacy Report II: What University Professors Say Incoming Students Need to Know" at BibleLiteracy.org.
(NOTE: This document is in PDF format. You must have Adobe Reader to open this document.)

b)  Read the responses of some professors to Question #3 on pages 22-24)
(Question 3 is: "What do you think about the following statement?: Regardless of a person's faith, an educated person needs to know about the Bible.")

c)  Do the responses change your point of view about the necessity of Biblical literacy for all students? Explain your answer.

NOTE:  The survey questions are listed on page 48 of the document.  Survey results are listed on pages 49-52.

6. a) Read the list of classic books that contain biblical references listed at bibleliteracy.org/Site/PressRoom/press_fact.htm.
How many have you read?
b) Read the list of Biblical references contained in one preparation guide for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition exam at bibleliteracy.org/Site/PressRoom/press_fact.htm.
How many do you know?

7. OPTIONAL: Read the results of an additional survey from the Bible Literacy Project: "What do American teens need to know and what do they know about the Bible?" found at BibleLiteracy.org.