Directions:
Option 1: write 3 600-900 word essays on the topics given below
Option 2: write 2 900-1200 word essay on two of the topics given below.

1. Women. Compare and contrast the modern American and ancient Greek views of women based on the "American" myth of Hercules, and the Greek myths of Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason. As always make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions (For the scrpt of the Hercules' movie, click here).

2. Birth/Childhood. Examine the births & childhoods for all five heroes (Hercules, Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason) with respect one of the following theories of myth interpretation (Freud's, or Jung's). Make sure you start by briefly but sufficiently stating what the theory is; make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions; and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the theory as you evaluate the myths.

3. After the Quest. Apply either Jung's theory or Freud's theory of myth interpretation to all five heroes with regards to the following question: does the theory explain satisfactorily for all five what happens after the hero "completes the quest and gets the girl?" Make sure you start by briefly but sufficiently stating what the theory is; make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions; and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the theory as you evaluate the myths.