<p>Hello all,
I was just wondering: in my commonapp essay I have a biblical reference to the fight between David and Goliath. Do the adcoms know this story? Should I explain it with a footnote, or should I take it out from my essay? Much thanks :)</p>
<p>They’ll know it. A footnote would be unnecessary (and slightly insulting to their intelligence).</p>
<p>Yes, but I once thought that NOT adding a footnote would kind of insult the adcoms who are not acquainted with Christianity, and therefore not familiar with Christian references.</p>
<p>The story of David and Goliath has an extremely high degree of familiarity with the general public (at least the basics). I’d put it up there with the story of Adam and Eve, and Noah and the flood. The metaphor is widely used in everything from sports to business. </p>
<p>If you were using something more obscure, it would be a good idea. But its fame goes beyond those familiar with Christianity.</p>
<p>Okay, no footnotes then. Thanks :)</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>The story of David and Goliath may be familiar to most Christians and probably most people since it’s a well established metaphor, but is really from what you would call the “Old Testament”, or Jewish Scripture, specifically Navi (Prophets) and is from the Book of Samuel (Shmuel) Chap 17. The story is also mentioned in the Quran, Chapter 2 verse 249-251 as the story of Dawud and Julat (or Gulat).</p>
<p>Couldn’t tell you whether it’s also anywhere in Manga or Anime.</p>