Goal: To analyze one extremely successful "reimagination" of the New Testament and consider some specific aspect of audience, reception, and the popular influence of "the Bible." Length: 750-1000 words. When you refer to specific scenes in the film, try to be as precise as possible; if you can use time stamps, that would be best. If not you can describe the scene and its relative position in the movie ("in the beginning, when Jesus heals the blind girl...."). You can refer to the Bible, but don't refer to any other source other than those indicated in the prompts below. You may also choose a non- or partial-text format for this assignment (audio, video, illustration, etc.) if you check with me first! Choose one of the following essay prompts: 1. DeMille draws from all four gospels in the film. What Jesus do you think most resembles the Jesus of King of Kings: the Jesus of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John? Give at least three specific examples from the film and from the gospel of your choice to make this argument. 2. You have been hired by a debate team to advise them for their upcoming debate in which they must argue: "King of Kings is a faithful rendering of the gospel accounts." But you are also secretly working for their opponents, who must argue: "King of Kings is not a faithful rendering of the gospel accounts." Give three arguments that you are supplying to each side, drawing on specific scenes from the film and from the gospel accounts. 3. Who do you think this portrayal of Jesus was meant to appeal to? Give specific examples from the film to support your argument.

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