Write a reflection paper. We call it a reflection paper because it allows you to reflect on any of our readings so far; we do not expect a full research paper.
“Suggested” is the key word here; you do not have to choose any of these subjects and in
fact are encouraged to formulate your own, so long as it deals with the readings in this
course. We just want an intelligent essay which shows a good knowledge of the material.
That’s the main thing – show that you know the readings and don’t hand in something
that looks like you read a summary from Wikipedia.
It should be 4-5 pages.
1) The tale of Kronos’ castration and the birth of Aphrodite seems to contain some very
strange symbolism. How do you interpret it? Is the emphasis on natural phenomena, on fertility, on family conflicts…?
2) Prometheus in later times was often portrayed as the principle of heroic rebellion against tyranny, but Hesiod’s version is less sympathetic. How do you view him – great philanthropist, futile upstart, etc.?
3) When Zeus comes to power, what does he do differently from Ouranos or Kronos? Does this contribute to the greater stability of his rule?
4) Consider Hesiod’s account of the Ages of Man. How do you interpret this mythologized view of human history? Does it represent a movement from tribal life to civilization, from childhood to old age, or something else?
5) Pandora: Consider out two versions. Why should men (or Hesiod anyway) seem to regard the invention of women with such terror? What insecurities does this reveal?
6) Heroes: Compare the tales of Heracles and Achilles, or do one or the other, in terms of some of the themes we have examined in the heroic cycles: the alienation from society and womankind, the quest for immortality, etc. Do you see any theme which is constant and invariable in the heroic myths?
7) We have discussed the essentially negative life of the Homeric martial hero, how their overriding desire for glory dooms them to constant strife, first against enemies in warfare, and also in competition with their rivals. Describe how this phenomenon manifests itself in some incidents of the Iliad – or focus on a single character such as Achilles.
8) Consider how violence in the Aeneid becomes unavoidable for the Trojans if they are to establish themselves in Italy. The poem ends with a final act of impassioned violence as Aeneas kills Turnus. Do you think that some degree of force is necessary and justified
if a civilized world is to be created? Or does the use of violence defeat the very purpose it
is trying to establish? Or does Vergil give a final answer?
9) Compare the cosmogonies of the Enuma Elish with the Norse creation story. What
elements do they have in common, and what understanding of the world do they reflect?
10) Compare the accounts of the Flood in Ovid’s Metamorphoses with that found in
Gilgamesh. What are the common elements? Is there an overall interpretation that unites
the two stories?
11) Compare the heroic quest of Gilgamesh with that of either Sigurd or Beowulf, or
compare the latter two. What elements or themes do they have in common, and how do
they reflect the mortal condition and the struggles of human life?
12) Compare the fertility deities Isis, Telepinu and Balder; you can also compare them to
similar Greek myths such as Persephone. What are the major themes?
13) The epics of Sigurd and Beowulf both include the slaying of a dragon as a central
event, but the emphasis appears to be rather different. What does the dragon seem to
represent in each case, and what does the victory signify? What about the theme of gold?
