Take-home Option for
Exam
I
Due
at end of class,
(in
both paper and electronic form)
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. Some of the myths we have
studied seem to agree with Malinowski's theory and some do not (in fact
they seem to agree more with Hecataeus). Why? In your answer focus on
one creation myth, one male deity myth, and one trickster myth.
2. While myths may often tell us much about the parameters of a
society, and in particular about how fathers should relate to their
children. Discuss for three different cultures, making sure you choose
myths from the three different categories we have discussed so far
(i.e. creation myths, male divine, tricksters).
3. Compare and contrast the "trickster" Hermes (Homeric Hymn to Hermes,
Powell, Ch 7) with that of Loki and at least one other trickster (one
can discuss the serpent in the Hebrew myth). Make sure you also discuss
the implications of the success or failure of the trickster.